PhenixFIN Corp (PFX) — 10-K

Filed 2025-12-12 · Period ending 2025-09-30 · 91,624 words · SEC EDGAR

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# PhenixFIN Corp (PFX) — 10-K

**Filed:** 2025-12-12
**Period ending:** 2025-09-30
**Accession:** 0001213900-25-120913
**Source:** [SEC EDGAR](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1490349/000121390025120913/)
**Origin leaf:** 7cbee48f03e834d28a7ff02dcc687b613df4ddfb96b4fea4e29e852f16323876
**Words:** 91,624



---

**
UNITED
STATES**
**SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**
**WASHINGTON,
DC 20549**
**Form
10-K**
**ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**
**For
the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025**
**or**
**TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**
**For
the transition period from to**
**Commission
file number: 1-35040**
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
| Delaware | | 27-4576073 | |
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of | | (I.R.S. Employer | |
| Incorporation or Organization) | | Identification No.) | |
| 445 Park Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY | | 10022 | |
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | | (Zip Code) | |
**(212)
859-0390**
(Registrants
Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | | Trading Symbol(s) | | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
| Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share | | PFX | | The NASDAQ Global Market | |
| 5.25% Notes due 2028 | | PFXNZ | | The NASDAQ Global Market | |
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YesNo
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. YesNo
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.YesNo
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files).YesNo
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer,
smaller reporting company, and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its managements assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If
securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Indicate
by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation
received by any of the registrants executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to 240.10D-1(b).
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). YesNo
The aggregate market value of the registrants common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of March 31, 2025 was $81,346,226. The Registrant had2,000,560shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of December 11, 2025.
**DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE**
Portions
of the registrants proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection
with the registrants 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed subsequent to the date hereof, are incorporated
by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later
than 120 days following the end of the registrants fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**TABLE
OF CONTENTS**
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PART
I | 
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Item 1. | 
Business | 
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1 | |
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Item 1A. | 
Risk
Factors | 
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21 | |
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Item 1B. | 
Unresolved
Staff Comments | 
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48 | |
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Item 1C. | 
Cybersecurity | 
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48 | |
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Item 2. | 
Properties | 
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49 | |
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Item 3. | 
Legal
Proceedings | 
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49 | |
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Item 4. | 
Mine
Safety Disclosures | 
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49 | |
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PART
II | 
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Item 5. | 
Market
for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | 
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50 | |
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Item 6. | 
[Reserved] | 
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51 | |
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Item 7. | 
Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 
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51 | |
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Item 7A. | 
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 
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67 | |
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Item 8. | 
Consolidated
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | 
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68 | |
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Item 9. | 
Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | 
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69 | |
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Item 9A. | 
Controls
and Procedures | 
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69 | |
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Item 9B. | 
Other
Information | 
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69 | |
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Item 9C. | 
Disclosure
Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections. | 
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69 | |
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PART
III | 
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Item 10. | 
Directors,
Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | 
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70 | |
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Item 11. | 
Executive
Compensation | 
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70 | |
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Item 12. | 
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | 
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70 | |
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Item 13. | 
Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | 
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70 | |
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Item 14. | 
Principal
Accountant Fees and Services | 
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70 | |
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PART
IV | 
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Item 15. | 
Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedules | 
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71 | |
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Signatures | 
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74 | |
****
i
****
**PART
I**
**Item
1. Business**
**GENERAL**
PhenixFIN
Corporation (PhenixFIN, the Company, we and us) is an internally-managed non-diversified
closed-end management investment company incorporated in Delaware that has elected to be regulated as a business development company
(BDC) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). We completed our initial public
offering (IPO) and commenced operations on January 20, 2011. The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually,
to be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a regulated investment company (RIC) under Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). Through December 31, 2020, we were an externally managed company.
Since January 1, 2021, we have operated under our present internalized management structure.
The
Company has formed and expects to continue to form certain taxable subsidiaries (the Taxable Subsidiaries), which are taxed
as corporations for federal income tax purposes. These Taxable Subsidiaries allow us to, among other things, hold equity securities of
portfolio companies organized as pass-through entities while continuing to satisfy the requirements to qualify as a RIC under the Code.
The
Companys investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation. The management team seeks to achieve this
objective primarily through making loans and private equity investments in privately-held companies. The Company may also make debt,
equity or other investments in publicly-traded companies. (These investments may also include investments in other BDCs, closed-end funds
or real estate investment trusts (REITs).) We also pursue other strategic opportunities and invest in other assets or operate
other businesses to achieve our investment objective, such as operating and managing an asset-based lending business and an insurance
business. The portfolio generally consists of senior secured first lien term loans, senior secured second lien term loans, senior secured
bonds, preferred equity and common equity. Occasionally, we will receive warrants or other equity participation features which we believe
will have the potential to increase total investment returns. Our loan and other debt investments are primarily rated below investment
grade or are unrated. Investments in below investment grade securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers
capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due.
We
believe there are attractive opportunities in the private debt market for non-bank investors like the Company. We lend directly to many
companies that are underserved by the traditional banking system and generally seek to avoid broadly marketed investment opportunities.
We also believe there are attractive private equity investment opportunities. We source investment opportunities primarily through direct
relationships with financial sponsors and other market participants, industry specialists, as well as financial intermediaries such as
investment banks and commercial banks.
Our
Investment Team is responsible for sourcing investment opportunities, conducting industry research, performing diligence on potential
investments, structuring our investments and monitoring our portfolio companies on an ongoing basis. Our Investment Team draws on its
expertise in lending to and investing in predominantly privately held companies in a range of sectors, including industrials, transportation,
energy and natural resources, financials, gemstones/jewelry, insurance and real estate.
As
a BDC, we are required to comply with regulatory requirements, including limitations on our use of debt. We are permitted to, and expect
to continue to, finance our investments partially through borrowings. However, as a BDC, we are only generally allowed to borrow amounts
such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% (or 150% if certain requirements under the 1940 Act are
met) after such borrowing. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our assessment of market conditions and other factors
at the time of any proposed borrowing.
As
of September 30, 2025, the Companys asset coverage was 207.8% after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Companys
asset coverage was greater than 200%, the minimum asset coverage requirement applicable presently to the Company under the 1940 Act.
Our
principal executive office is located at 445 Park Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY and our telephone number is (212) 859-0390.
1
**Investment
Process Overview**
****
*Sourcing
and Origination*. We typically source investment opportunities through our management teams network of long-standing relationships.
Our sourcing efforts are led by our senior investment professionals, who leverage their experience in the sourcing and origination of
investments.
**
*Initial
Evaluation*. We use a systematic, consistent approach to credit evaluation, which typically consists of (i) a preliminary due diligence
review conducted by the Company, (ii) an initial diligence meeting with the portfolio companys management team, investment bank
or private equity sponsor, (iii) an initial indication of interest and terms, and (iv) preparation of memoranda including potential portfolio
company overviews, investment considerations and risks, financial model and return information.
**
*Due
Diligence & Underwriting*. We typically undertake continued diligence, which expands on the investment thesis, risks and mitigants,
and competition factors of our potential investment opportunities. We may conduct third party reviews, on-site visits and/or background
checks in connection with our potential investments in portfolio companies.
**
*Portfolio
Management*. We undertake a proactive monitoring process of our portfolio companies, whereby we conduct monthly financial review and
monitoring of compliance with covenants, maintain ongoing dialogue with portfolio company management and owners, and exercise board observer
rights where appropriate.
*Rating
Criteria.*We generally use an investment rating system to characterize and monitor the credit profile and our expected level of returns
on each debt investment in our portfolio. We use a five-level numeric rating scale. The following is a description of the conditions
associated with each investment rating:
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Credit | 
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Rating | 
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Definition | |
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1 | 
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Investments that are performing
above expectations. | |
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2 | 
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Investments
that are performing within expectations, with risks that are neutral or favorable compared to risks at the time of origination. All
new investments are rated 2. | |
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3 | 
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Investments
that are performing below expectations and that require closer monitoring, but where no loss of interest, dividend or principal is
expected. Companies rated 3 may be out of compliance with financial covenants, however, loan payments are generally
not past due. | |
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4 | 
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Investments
that are performing below expectations and for which risk has increased materially since origination. Some loss of interest or dividend
is expected but no loss of principal. In addition to the borrower being generally out of compliance with debt covenants, loan payments
may be past due (but generally not more than 180 days past due). | |
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5 | 
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Investments
that are performing substantially below expectations and whose risks have increased substantially since origination. Most or all
of the debt covenants are out of compliance and payments are substantially delinquent. Some loss of principal is expected. | |
****
**Investment
Structure**
Once
we have determined that a prospective portfolio company is suitable for investment, we work with the management of that company and its
other capital providers to structure an investment. We negotiate among these parties to agree on how our investment is expected to perform
relative to the other capital in the portfolio companys capital structure.
2
We typically
structure our debt investments as follows:
*Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loans*We structure these investments as senior secured loans. We obtain security interests in the assets
of the portfolio companies that serve as collateral in support of the repayment of such loans. This collateral generally takes the form
of first-priority liens on the assets of the portfolio company borrower. Our senior secured loans may provide for amortization of principal
with the majority of the amortization due at maturity.
*Senior
Secured Second Lien Term Loans*We structure these investments as junior, secured loans. We obtain security interests in the assets
of these portfolio companies that serve as collateral in support of the repayment of such loans. This collateral generally takes the
form of second-priority liens on the assets of a portfolio company. These loans typically provide for amortization of principal in the
initial years of the loans, with the majority of the amortization due at maturity.
*Senior
Secured First Lien Notes*We structure these investments as senior secured loans. We obtain security interests in the assets of these
portfolio companies that serve as collateral in support of the repayment of such notes. This collateral generally takes the form of priority
liens on the assets of a portfolio company. These notes typically have interest-only payments (often representing a combination of cash
pay and payment-in-kind, or (PIK), interest), with amortization of principal due at maturity. PIK interest represents contractually
deferred interest added to the loan balance that is generally due at the end of the loan term and recorded as interest income on an accrual
basis to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected.
*Warrants
and Minority Equity Securities*In some cases, we may also receive nominally priced warrants or options to buy a minority equity interest
in the portfolio company in connection with a debt investment. As a result, as a portfolio company appreciates in value, we may achieve
additional investment return from this equity interest. We may structure such warrants to include provisions protecting our rights as
a minority-interest holder, as well as a put, or right to sell such securities back to the issuer, upon the occurrence
of specified events. In many cases, we may also seek to obtain registration rights in connection with these equity interests, which may
include demand and piggyback registration rights.
*Unitranche
Loans*We structure our unitranche loans, which combine the characteristics of traditional senior secured first lien term loans and
subordinated notes as senior secured loans. We obtain security interests in the assets of these portfolio companies that serve as collateral
in support of the repayment of these loans. This collateral generally takes the form of first-priority liens on the assets of a portfolio
company. Unitranche loans typically provide for amortization of principal in the initial years of the loans, with the majority of the
amortization due at maturity.
*Unsecured
Debt*We structure these investments as unsecured, subordinated loans that provide for relatively high, fixed and floating interest
rates that provide us with significant current interest income. These loans typically have interest-only payments (often representing
a combination of cash pay and payment-in-kind, or PIK, interest), with amortization of principal due at maturity. Subordinated notes
generally allow the borrower to make a large lump sum payment of principal at the end of the loan term, and there is a risk of loss if
the borrower is unable to pay the lump sum or refinance the amount owed at maturity. The valuation of subordinated notes is generally
more volatile than secured loans and may involve a greater risk of loss of principal. Subordinated notes often include a PIK feature,
which effectively operates as negative amortization of loan principal.
We
expect to hold most of our investments to maturity or repayment, but we may realize or sell some of our investments earlier if a liquidity
event occurs, such as a sale or recapitalization transaction, or the worsening of the credit quality of the portfolio company.
The
Company has invested in its affiliate, FlexFIN, LLC (FlexFIN), which operates an asset-based lending business under which
it enters into secured loans and secured financing structures with borrowers engaged in the gemstone/jewelry industry. FlexFIN will generally
structure these loans as sale/repurchase transactions under which the collateral (that is, the gemstones/jewelry) remains under FlexFINs
ownership during the entire term of the loan.
The
Company has invested in its affiliate, NVTN LLC, which is a restaurant concept with locations throughout the US, mostlyin budget
friendly tourist destinations. NVTN LLC has developed an identifiable brand for its high-energy, unique themed restaurant concept that
targets tourists and business travelers inhigh foot traffic locations.
On
October 1, 2024, the Company acquired approximately 80% of the equity of The National Security Group, an Alabama based insurance holding
company (NSG). NSG is a nationwide underwriter of life, accident, and health insurance. In addition, NSG is a specialty
underwriter of property and casualty insurance throughout the southeast, other than Florida and Louisiana. The Company has entered into
a contract with NSG to manage a portion of its investment assets.
3
**Managerial
Assistance**
As
a BDC, we offer, and must provide upon request, managerial assistance to certain of our portfolio companies. This assistance could involve,
among other things, monitoring the operations of our portfolio companies, participating in board and management meetings, consulting
with and advising officers of portfolio companies and providing other organizational and financial guidance. We may receive fees for
these services.
**Leverage**
As
a BDC, we are generally only allowed to employ leverage to the extent that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at
least 200% after giving effect to such leverage. The amount of leverage that we employ at any time depends on our assessment of the market
and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. We are also subject to certain regulatory requirements relating to our borrowings.
For a discussion of such requirements, see Regulation - Senior Securities.
We
may, from time to time, seek to retire or repurchase our common stock through cash purchases, as well as retire, cancel or purchase our
outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such
repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual and regulatory
restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
**Competition**
Our
primary competitors to provide financing to private companies are public and private funds, commercial and investment banks, commercial
finance companies, other BDCs, Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) and private equity and hedge funds. Some competitors
may have access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances
or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than
us. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a BDC or to
the distribution and other requirements we must satisfy to maintain our favorable RIC tax treatment.
**Human
Capital Resources**
As
of September 30, 2025, the internalized management team consists of 4 investment professionals and 7 employees/consultants overall. This
team includes our executive officers, investment and finance professionals, and administrative staff. Our senior management team consists
of David Lorber, our chief executive officer, and Ellida McMillan, our chief financial officer.
As
an internally managed BDC, the success of our business and investment strategy, including achieving our investment objective, depends
in material part on our professional team. We depend upon the members of our management team and our investment professionals for the
identification, final selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of our investments. Our professional team has critical experience
and relationships on which we rely to implement our business plan. We expect that the members of our management team and our investment
professionals will maintain key informal relationships, which we will use to help identify and gain access to investment opportunities.
If we do not attract, develop and retain highly talented professionals, we may not be able to operate our business as we expect and our
operating results could be adversely affected. See Item 1A. Risk Factors.
4
****
**Administration**
Since
January 1, 2021, we have operated pursuant to an internalized management structure. To lead the internalized management team, the Board
approved the appointment of David Lorber, who had served as an independent director of the Company since April 2019, as Chief Executive
Officer, and Ellida McMillan as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each effective January 1, 2021.
In
connection with the adoption by the board of directors of an internalized management structure, on November 19, 2020, the Company entered
into a Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement and an Administration Servicing Agreement on customary terms with U.S. Bancorp Fund Services,
LLC d/b/a U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (U.S. Bancorp). A U.S. Bancorp affiliate also served as the Companys custodian.
The Companys administrative and custodial relationship with U.S. Bancorp terminated on August 9, 2022. SS&C Technologies,
Inc. (SS&C) has since served as administrator of the Company and has provided us with fund accounting and financial
reporting services pursuant to its Services Agreement with the Company. Effective September 12, 2022, Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
(Computershare) serves as custodian for the Company pursuant to its Loan Administration and Custodial Agreement with the
Company.
****
**Information
Available**
We
maintain a website at *http://www.phenixfc.com*. We make available, free of charge, on our website, our annual report on Form 10-K,
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we
electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. Information contained
on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K and you should not consider information contained
on our website to be part of this annual report on Form 10-K or any other report we file with the SEC.
**Summary
of Risk Factors**
Investing
in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the information in Item 1A. Risk Factors,
including, but not limited to, the following risks:
**Certain
Risks in the Current Environment**
****
| 
| We
are operating in a period of market disruption and economic uncertainty, which may adversely
affect the yields, increase the risks of our investment, and make it more difficult for us
to raise equity capital. | 
|
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| Events
outside of our control could negatively affect our portfolio companies and make their valuation
uncertain, increase our funding costs and/or limit access to capital. | 
|
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| Rising
interest rates may increase borrowing costs, reduce the net return on debt investments, and
increase the risk of default on our portfolio company loans. Other events could negatively
impact our cost of borrowing and the net return on our investments. | 
|
**Risks
Related to our Business**
| 
| We
operate under an internalized operating structure and may incur significant costs and face
significant risks associated with being self-managed. | 
|
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| 
Because we use borrowed funds, we are exposed
to risks typically associated with leverage, potentially magnifying the risk of investing in us. Lack of liquidity in our investments
may adversely affect our business. | |
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A substantial portion of
our portfolio investments are recorded at fair value as determined by our valuation designee, and there may be uncertainty regarding
the value of our portfolio investments. Also, we are not limited with respect to the proportion of our assets that may be invested
in securities of a single issuer. | |
5
| 
| We
are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates on loans under our credit
facility and loans to our portfolio companies, which bear interest based on SOFR. Changes
in interest rates also affect our cost of capital and net investment income. | 
|
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| Our
investments may not be managed effectively. We may change our investment objective and strategies.
Our operating results may fluctuate. Failure to remain a BDC could reduce our operating flexibility. | 
|
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| We
may be unable to pay distributions to shareholders, particularly if we realize income without
receiving cash. | 
|
| 
| Failures
of our information, cybersecurity and disaster recovery systems could disrupt our business. | 
|
**Risks
Related to our Investments**
| 
| We
may not realize gains from our equity investments, which may be risky and highly speculative.
We may be unable to make follow-on investments in portfolio companies, which could impair
their value. | 
|
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| If
portfolio companies prepay loans, our yields will be reduced if we cannot invest at an equal
or higher rate. | 
|
| 
| We
may invest in securities of foreign companies, which may involve significant risks. | 
|
| 
| Our
investment in a lender to the jewelry business, which comprises 11.7% of our assets, is subject
to volatility in prices of gemstones/jewelry and the risk of fraud and counterfeiting. | 
|
| 
| | | |
| 
| | Our
investment in NSG, which comprises 15.3% of our assets, is subject to volatility due to capital
markets and the U.S. economy generally, as well as evolving regulatory requirements. | |
| 
| We
may invest in unitranche and covenant-lite debt instruments,
which have higher yields but entail greater risk. We may also be subject to the risks associated
with investments in distressed issuers, hedging transactions and sector concentration. The
disposition of our investments may result in contingent liabilities. | 
|
**Risks
Related to our Operations as a BDC and a RIC**
| 
| 
| 
Regulations governing our
operation as a BDC may limit our ability to raise additional capital. | |
| 
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We depend upon our management
and investment teams and would be significantly affected by their loss. As an internally managed BDC, we may be restricted by the
compensation to them that we may offer. | |
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| |
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| 
Future tax reform legislation
relating to BDCs may adversely affect our investments and our business. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
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| 
If a sufficient portion
of our assets are not qualifying assets, we could fail to qualify as a BDC. We would be subject to corporate-level income tax if
we did not qualify as a RIC or satisfy RIC distribution requirements. | |
**Risks
Relating to an Investment in our Securities**
| 
| 
| 
Investing in our securities
may involve above average risk, and the market price of our shares fluctuates. Our shares have not traded at or above NAV since the
first quarter of 2015. NAV per share may be diluted if we sell shares or convertible securities below NAV per share. | |
| 
| 
| 
Provisions of Delaware
law and our charter documents could deter a takeover, depressing our share price. | |
| 
| 
| 
Our issuance of preferred
stock could affect the volatility of our NAV and market value, and may give preferred stock holders rights adverse to common stock
holders. Our credit facility places restrictions on our activities. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
| 
| 
We could be negatively
affected if we become subject to any securities class actions and derivative lawsuits. | |
6
**Risks
Related to the Life Insurance and Annuities Business of NSG**
****
| 
| 
| 
Assumptions regarding policyholder behavior may be
incorrect, requiring NSG to increase its reserves. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
| 
| 
Data underlying morbidity
and mortality on which NSG relies may be insufficient, incorrect or incomplete, and public health crises may adversely impact NSGs
business, financial condition or results of operations. | |
****
**Risks
Related to the Property & Casualty Insurance Business of NSG**
****
| 
| 
| 
Models used by NSG to evaluate risk are subject to
uncertainty, and losses may differ materially from estimates. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
| 
| 
NSGs expense reserves may be inadequate to cover losses. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
| 
| 
NSG is subject to unexpected
changes in the interpretation of the coverage provisions of its policies. | |
| 
| 
| 
NSGs failure to
accurately and timely pay claims could materially and adversely affect its business. | |
| 
| 
| 
The property and casualty
insurance business is historically cyclical in nature. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
**Risks
Related to the Insurance Business Generally**
| 
| 
| 
NSG relies on insurance
retail agents and brokers, and its business is subject to intense competition. | |
| 
| 
| 
Insurance companies are
subject to extensive regulation, and failure to satisfy regulatory requirements could subject NSG to operational restrictions or
other sanctions. | |
| 
| 
| 
NSG may be unable to purchase
reinsurance in amounts desired on acceptable terms, and reinsurers may default or fail to perform. Climate change could have a material
adverse effect on NSGs business. | |
| 
| Performance
of NSGs investment portfolio is subject to a variety of investment risks, including
conditions in the capital markets and the U.S. economy generally. | 
|
| 
| NSG
will be required to increase its reserves if they are inadequate, adversely affecting its
liquidity. | 
|
| 
| Employees
of NSG or its third-party service providers may take excessive risks resulting in losses. | 
|
**INVESTMENTS**
We
have built a diverse portfolio that includes senior secured first lien term loans, senior secured second lien term loans, equity, unitranche
loans, senior secured first lien notes, subordinated notes, warrants and minority equity securities by investing approximately $10 million
to $50 million of capital, on average, in the securities of portfolio companies.
7
The
following table shows the portfolio composition by industry grouping at fair value as of September 30, 2025 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Fair
Value | | | 
Percentage | | |
| 
Services: Business | | 
$ | 56,249 | | | 
| 18.6 | % | |
| 
Insurance | | 
| 48,470 | | | 
| 16.0 | | |
| 
Real Estate | | 
| 47,632 | | | 
| 15.8 | | |
| 
Services: Consumer | | 
| 38,418 | | | 
| 12.7 | | |
| 
Aerospace & Defense | | 
| 25,881 | | | 
| 8.6 | | |
| 
Hotel, Gaming & Leisure | | 
| 22,328 | | | 
| 7.4 | | |
| 
Construction & Building | | 
| 18,131 | | | 
| 6.0 | | |
| 
High Tech Industries | | 
| 16,961 | | | 
| 5.6 | | |
| 
Metals & Mining | | 
| 8,763 | | | 
| 2.9 | | |
| 
Automotive | | 
| 7,860 | | | 
| 2.6 | | |
| 
Media: Broadcasting & Subscription | | 
| 4,850 | | | 
| 1.6 | | |
| 
Consumer Discretionary | | 
| 4,502 | | | 
| 1.5 | | |
| 
Banking | | 
| 2,227 | | | 
| 0.7 | | |
| 
Total | | 
$ | 302,272 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | |
The
following table shows the portfolio composition by industry grouping at fair value as of September 30, 2024 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Fair
Value | | | 
Percentage | | |
| 
Real Estate | | 
$ | 50,162 | | | 
| 22.0 | % | |
| 
Services: Business | | 
| 46,706 | | | 
| 20.5 | | |
| 
Services: Consumer | | 
| 28,121 | | | 
| 12.3 | | |
| 
Hotel, Gaming & Leisure | | 
| 24,253 | | | 
| 10.6 | | |
| 
Construction & Building | | 
| 17,095 | | | 
| 7.5 | | |
| 
High Tech Industries | | 
| 12,352 | | | 
| 5.5 | | |
| 
Automotive | | 
| 12,316 | | | 
| 5.4 | | |
| 
Metals & Mining | | 
| 12,161 | | | 
| 5.3 | | |
| 
Media: Broadcasting & Subscription | | 
| 9,003 | | | 
| 4.0 | | |
| 
Energy: Oil & Gas | | 
| 4,333 | | | 
| 1.9 | | |
| 
Packaging | | 
| 3,505 | | | 
| 1.5 | | |
| 
Consumer Discretionary | | 
| 3,456 | | | 
| 1.5 | | |
| 
Aerospace & Defense | | 
| 2,827 | | | 
| 1.2 | | |
| 
Banking | | 
| 1,525 | | | 
| 0.7 | | |
| 
Insurance | | 
| 101 | | | 
| 0.1 | | |
| 
Total | | 
$ | 227,916 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | |
8
The
following table sets forth certain information as of September 30, 2025 for each portfolio company in which we had an investment. Other
than these investments, our only formal relationship with our portfolio companies is the managerial assistance that we provide upon request
and the board observer or participation rights we may receive in connection with our investment.
| 
Name
of Portfolio Company | | 
Sector | | 
Security
Owned | | 
Maturity | | 
Interest
Rate (1) | | | 
Principal
Due at Maturity | | | 
Fair
Value | | | 
%
of Net Assets | | |
| 
Adamas
Trust, Inc. | | 
Real
Estate | | 
Preferred
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 221,469 | | | 
| 5,565,516 | | | 
| 3.5 | % | |
| 
Adamas
Trust, Inc. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Preferred
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 17,243 | | | 
| 392,278 | | | 
| 0.2 | % | |
| 
Advocates
for Disabled Vets, LLC (dba Reps for Vets) | | 
Services:
Consumer | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
3/7/2030 | | 
| 12.00 | % | | 
| 8,932,500 | | | 
| 8,798,513 | | | 
| 5.5 | % | |
| 
Advocates
for Disabled Vets, LLC (dba Reps for Vets) | | 
Services:
Consumer | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 3,375,000 | | | 
| 3,359,511 | | | 
| 2.1 | % | |
| 
Altisource
S.A.R.L. | | 
Services:
Business | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan B | | 
4/30/2030 | | 
| 6.50 | % | | 
| 8,040,718 | | | 
| 8,322,143 | | | 
| 5.2 | % | |
| 
Altisource
S.A.R.L. | | 
Services:
Business | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 547,180 | | | 
| 6,380,119 | | | 
| 4.0 | % | |
| 
Altisource
S.A.R.L. | | 
Services:
Business | | 
Warrants | | 
4/30/2032 | | 
| | | | 
| 111,343 | | | 
| 64,579 | | | 
| 0.0 | % | |
| 
Altisource
S.A.R.L. | | 
Services:
Business | | 
Warrants | | 
4/2/2029 | | 
| | | | 
| 111,343 | | | 
| 77,940 | | | 
| 0.0 | % | |
| 
Boostability
Seotowncenter, Inc. | | 
Services:
Business | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 833,152 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 0.0 | % | |
| 
CB&L
Associates Holdco I, LLC | | 
Real Estate | | 
First
Lien Term Loans | | 
11/1/2025 | | 
| 2.75 | % | | 
| 2,879,525 | | | 
| 2,753,546 | | | 
| 1.7 | % | |
| 
Chimera
Investment Corp. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Preferred
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 151,710 | | | 
| 3,504,501 | | | 
| 2.2 | % | |
| 
Chimera
Investment Corp. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Preferred
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 26,133 | | | 
| 629,544 | | | 
| 0.4 | % | |
| 
Compass
Diversified Holdings | | 
Real Estate | | 
Preferred
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 22,049 | | | 
| 405,702 | | | 
| 0.3 | % | |
| 
Copper
Property CTL Pass Through Trust | | 
Real Estate | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 637,795 | | | 
| 7,915,036 | | | 
| 4.9 | % | |
| 
ECC
Capital Corp. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 84,000,000 | | | 
| 6,636,000 | | | 
| 4.1 | % | |
| 
ECC
Capital Corp. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Senior
Secured Promissory Note | | 
12/31/2031 | | 
| 5.00 | % | | 
| 6,997,012 | | | 
| 6,997,012 | | | 
| 4.4 | % | |
| 
FlexFIN,
LLC | | 
Services:
Business | | 
Equity
Interest | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 37,180,761 | | | 
| 37,180,761 | | | 
| 23.1 | % | |
| 
Franklin
BSP Realty Trust, Inc. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 50,000 | | | 
| 543,000 | | | 
| 0.3 | % | |
| 
FST
Holdings Parent, LLC | | 
High Tech
Industries | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 625,548 | | | 
| 10,960,741 | | | 
| 6.8 | % | |
| 
Innovate
Corp. | | 
Construction
& Building | | 
Senior
Secured Notes | | 
2/1/2027 | | 
| 10.50 | % | | 
| 4,558,125 | | | 
| 4,033,941 | | | 
| 2.5 | % | |
| 
Invesco
Mortgage Capital, Inc. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 180,000 | | | 
| 1,360,800 | | | 
| 0.8 | % | |
| 
JFL-NGS-WCS
Partners, LLC | | 
Construction
& Building | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 10,000,000 | | | 
| 13,100,000 | | | 
| 8.1 | % | |
| 
Kemmerer
Operations, LLC | | 
Metals
& Mining | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
12/31/2028 | | 
| 5.00 | % | | 
| 8,762,782 | | | 
| 8,762,782 | | | 
| 5.5 | % | |
| 
LB
NewHoldCo, LLC | | 
Consumer
Discretionary | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 230,739 | | | 
| 994,485 | | | 
| 0.6 | % | |
| 
Lucky
Bucks, LLC (dba Arc Gaming & Technologies, LLC) | | 
Consumer
Discretionary | | 
First
Out Exit Term Loan | | 
10/2/2028 | | 
| 7.50 | % | | 
| 1,514,302 | | | 
| 1,514,302 | | | 
| 0.9 | % | |
| 
Lucky
Bucks, LLC (dba Arc Gaming & Technologies, LLC) | | 
Consumer
Discretionary | | 
Second
Out Term Loan | | 
10/2/2029 | | 
| 7.50 | % | | 
| 2,143,683 | | | 
| 1,993,625 | | | 
| 1.2 | % | |
| 
MB
Precision Investment Holdings LLC | | 
Aerospace
& Defense | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
9/30/2028 | | 
| 8.00 | % | | 
| 6,843,380 | | | 
| 6,398,561 | | | 
| 4.0 | % | |
| 
MB
Precision Investment Holdings LLC | | 
Aerospace
& Defense | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Revolver | | 
9/30/2028 | | 
| 8.00 | % | | 
| 2,112,671 | | | 
| 1,975,347 | | | 
| 1.2 | % | |
| 
MB
Precision Investment Holdings LLC | | 
Aerospace
& Defense | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 4,106,076 | | | 
| 2,725,408 | | | 
| 1.7 | % | |
| 
MB
Precision Investment Holdings LLC | | 
Aerospace
& Defense | | 
Senior
Secured Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
9/30/2028 | | 
| 10.00 | % | | 
| 505,470 | | | 
| 490,306 | | | 
| 0.3 | % | |
| 
MB
Precision Investment Holdings LLC | | 
Aerospace
& Defense | | 
Warrants | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 3,380,282 | | | 
| 673,018 | | | 
| 0.4 | % | |
| 
MFA
Financial, Inc. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Preferred
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 114,695 | | | 
| 2,737,770 | | | 
| 1.7 | % | |
| 
MFA
Financial, Inc. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 70,000 | | | 
| 643,300 | | | 
| 0.4 | % | |
| 
Neptune
Bidco US, Inc. | | 
Media:
Broadcasting & Subscription | | 
First
Lien Term Loans | | 
4/11/2029 | | 
| 5.00 | % | | 
| 2,967,133 | | | 
| 2,822,486 | | | 
| 1.8 | % | |
| 
Neptune
Bidco US, Inc. | | 
Services:
Business | | 
Senior
Secured Notes | | 
4/15/2029 | | 
| 9.29 | % | | 
| 4,000,000 | | | 
| 3,910,000 | | | 
| 2.4 | % | |
| 
JFL-NGS-WCS
Partners, LLC | | 
Construction
& Building | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan B | | 
5/31/2030 | | 
| 4.75 | % | | 
| 987,500 | | | 
| 997,375 | | | 
| 0.6 | % | |
| 
National
Security Group Holdings, Inc. | | 
Insurance | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 100,000 | | | 
| 48,469,540 | | | 
| 30.1 | % | |
| 
NVTN
LLC | | 
Hotel,
Gaming & Leisure | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 1,000 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 0.0 | % | |
| 
NVTN
LLC | | 
Hotel,
Gaming & Leisure | | 
Senior
Secured Revolving Note | | 
12/31/2026 | | 
| 7.00 | % | | 
| 8,900,000 | | | 
| 8,900,000 | | | 
| 5.5 | % | |
| 
NVTN
LLC | | 
Hotel,
Gaming & Leisure | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan B | | 
12/31/2026 | | 
| | | | 
| 17,552,420 | | | 
| 13,427,601 | | | 
| 8.4 | % | |
| 
NVTN
LLC | | 
Hotel,
Gaming & Leisure | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan C | | 
12/31/2026 | | 
| 12.00 | % | | 
| 11,506,159 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 0.0 | % | |
| 
Onity
Group Inc. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 200,000 | | | 
| 3,948,000 | | | 
| 2.5 | % | |
| 
PHH
Mortgage Corp. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Senior
Secured Notes | | 
11/1/2029 | | 
| 9.88 | % | | 
| 2,500,000 | | | 
| 2,515,625 | | | 
| 1.6 | % | |
| 
Power
Stop LLC | | 
Automotive | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
1/26/2029 | | 
| 4.75 | % | | 
| 9,704,216 | | | 
| 7,860,415 | | | 
| 4.9 | % | |
| 
PREIT
Associates | | 
Real Estate | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
4/1/2029 | | 
| 7.00 | % | | 
| 56,201 | | | 
| 57,606 | | | 
| 0.0 | % | |
| 
PREIT
Associates | | 
Real Estate | | 
Senior
Secured Revolving Note | | 
12/31/2028 | | 
| 5.50 | % | | 
| 73,083 | | | 
| 71,251 | | | 
| 0.0 | % | |
| 
PSB
Group, LLC | | 
Services:
Consumer | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Revolver | | 
4/17/2030 | | 
| 6.50 | % | | 
| 293,137 | | | 
| 293,137 | | | 
| 0.2 | % | |
| 
PSB
Group, LLC | | 
Services:
Consumer | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
4/17/2030 | | 
| 6.50 | % | | 
| 5,706,618 | | | 
| 5,706,618 | | | 
| 3.5 | % | |
| 
Redwood
Trust Inc. | | 
Real Estate | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 165,000 | | | 
| 955,350 | | | 
| 0.6 | % | |
| 
SS
Acquisition, LLC (dba Soccer Shots Franchising) | | 
Services:
Consumer | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
12/20/2029 | | 
| 5.75 | % | | 
| 13,469,643 | | | 
| 13,469,643 | | | 
| 8.4 | % | |
| 
SS
Acquisition, LLC (dba Soccer Shots Franchising) | | 
Services:
Consumer | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Revolver | | 
12/20/2029 | | 
| 5.75 | % | | 
| 400,000 | | | 
| 400,000 | | | 
| 0.2 | % | |
| 
Stancor
(dba Industrial Flow Solutions Holdings, LLC) | | 
Services:
Business | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 358,867 | | | 
| 314,132 | | | 
| 0.2 | % | |
| 
Spotter
Inc. | | 
High Tech
Industries | | 
Preferred
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 414,293 | | | 
| 5,999,998 | | | 
| 3.7 | % | |
| 
Staples,
Inc. | | 
Services:
Consumer | | 
First
Lien Term Loans | | 
9/1/2029 | | 
| 5.75 | % | | 
| 3,960,000 | | | 
| 3,742,200 | | | 
| 2.3 | % | |
| 
Tamarix
Capital Partners II, L.P. | | 
Banking | | 
Fund Investment | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| 2,227,463 | | | 
| 1.4 | % | |
| 
Thryv
Holdings, Inc. | | 
Media:
Broadcasting & Subscription | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
5/1/2029 | | 
| 6.75 | % | | 
| 2,025,000 | | | 
| 2,027,531 | | | 
| 1.3 | % | |
| 
Wingman
Holdings, Inc. | | 
Aerospace
& Defense | | 
Equity | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| 350 | | | 
| 483,284 | | | 
| 0.3 | % | |
| 
WHI
Global, LLC | | 
Aerospace
& Defense | | 
Senior
Secured Revolving Note | | 
4/17/2029 | | 
| 8.75 | % | | 
| 884,053 | | | 
| 876,097 | | | 
| 0.5 | % | |
| 
WHI
Global, LLC | | 
Aerospace
& Defense | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
4/17/2029 | | 
| 8.75 | % | | 
| 12,369,840 | | | 
| 12,258,511 | | | 
| 7.6 | % | |
| 
XYZ
Roofco, LLC (dba SMC Roofing Solutions LLC) | | 
Services:
Consumer | | 
First
Out Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
10/16/2028 | | 
| 3.50 | % | | 
| 30,950 | | | 
| 31,128 | | | 
| 0.0 | % | |
| 
XYZ
Roofco, LLC (dba SMC Roofing Solutions LLC) | | 
Services:
Consumer | | 
First
Out Term Loan | | 
10/16/2028 | | 
| 3.50 | % | | 
| 618,546 | | | 
| 618,546 | | | 
| 0.4 | % | |
| 
XYZ
Roofco, LLC (dba SMC Roofing Solutions LLC) | | 
Services:
Consumer | | 
Last Out
Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
10/16/2028 | | 
| 11.58 | % | | 
| 140,082 | | | 
| 139,955 | | | 
| 0.1 | % | |
| 
XYZ
Roofco, LLC (dba SMC Roofing Solutions LLC) | | 
Services:
Consumer | | 
Last Out
Term Loan | | 
10/16/2028 | | 
| 11.58 | % | | 
| 1,863,568 | | | 
| 1,858,909 | | | 
| 1.2 | % | |
| 
(1) | All
interest is payable in cash and/or PIK, and all SOFR represents 1 Month, 3 Month or 6 Month
respective rates unless otherwise indicated. For each debt investment, we have provided the
current spread over index interest rate or the fixed rate as of September 30, 2025. | 
|
9
As
of September 30, 2025, our income-bearing investment portfolio, which represented 64.8% of our total portfolio, had a weighted average
yield based upon cost of our portfolio investments of approximately 12.8% and 58.8% of our income-bearing investment portfolio bore interest
based on floating rates, such as SOFR, 14.9% of our income-bearing investment portfolio bore interest at fixed rates, and 26.3% of our
income-bearing investment portfolio are income-producing equity investments. As of September 30, 2024, our income-bearing investment
portfolio, which represented 84.5% of our total portfolio, had a weighted average yield based upon cost of our portfolio investments
of approximately 12.3% and 57.9% of our income-bearing investment portfolio bore interest based on floating rates, such SOFR or LIBOR,
17.0% of our income-bearing investment portfolio bore interest at fixed rates, and 25.1% of our income-bearing investment portfolio are
income-producing equity investments. The weighted average yield of our total portfolio does not represent the total return to our stockholders.
The weighted average yield on income producing investments is computed based upon a combination of the cash flows to date and the contractual
interest payments, principal amortization and fee notes due at maturity without giving effect to closing fees received, base management
fees, incentive fees or general fund related expenses. For each floating rate loan, the projected fixed-rate equivalent coupon rate used
to forecast the interest cash flows was calculated by adding the interest rate spread specified in the relevant loan document to the
fixed-rate equivalent floating rate, duration-matched to the specific loan, adjusted by the floating rate floor and/or cap in place on
that loan.
**Overview
of Portfolio Companies**
Set forth
below is a brief description of the business of our portfolio companies as of September 30, 2025:
| 
Portfolio
Company | 
| 
Brief
Description of Portfolio Company | |
| 
Advocates
for Disabled Vets, LLC (dba Reps for Vets) | 
| 
Advocates for Disabled
Vets, LLC d.b.a Reps For Vets is a national disability firm that specializes in assisting U.S. veterans in obtaining non-taxable
disability benefits from The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Altisource
S.A.R.L. | 
| 
Altisource operates as
an integrated service provider and marketplace for the real estate and mortgage industries. It provides property preservation and
inspection services, payment management technologies, and a vendor management oversight software-as-a-service (SaaS)
platform. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Boostability
Seotowncenter, Inc. | 
| 
Seotowncenter, Inc. is
a tech-enabled business services company that delivers white label search engine optimization and local search and digital campaign
fulfillment to the smalland midsize business market. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
CB&L
Associates Holdco I, LLC | 
| 
CBL owns, develops, acquires,
leases, manages, and operates regional shopping malls, open-air and mixed-use centers, outlet centers, associated centers, community
centers, office and other properties. Properties are in 24 states, primarily in the southeastern and midwestern United States. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Chimera
Investment Corp. | 
| 
Chimera Investment Corp.
is an internally managed REIT that is primarily engaged in the business of investing in a diversified portfolio of mortgage assets,
including residential mortgage loans, Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), Non-Agency RMBS, Agency
commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), and other real estate-related assets. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Compass
Diversified Holdings | 
| 
Compass Diversified Holdings
is a private equity firm specializing in add on acquisitions, buyouts, industry consolidation, recapitalization, late stage, and
middle market investments | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Copper
Property CTL Pass Through Trust | 
| 
Copper Property CTL Pass
Through Trust was established to acquire 160 retail properties and 6 warehouse distribution centers (the Properties)
from J.C. Penney as part of its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The Trusts operations consist solely of owning, leasing
and selling the Properties. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
ECC
Capital Corp. | 
| 
ECC Capital Corporation,
formed in 2004, is a specialty finance and asset management company that currently manages a portfolio of nonconforming, runoff residential
mortgage assets and owns the associated mortgage servicing rights. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
FlexFIN,
LLC | 
| 
FlexFIN operates an asset-based
lending business under which it enters into secured loans and secured financing structures with borrowers engaged in the gemstone/jewelry
industry. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Franklin
BSP Realty Trust, Inc. | 
| 
Franklin BSP Realty Trust,
Inc. is a real estate finance company that primarily originates, acquires and manages a diversified portfolio of commercial real
estate debt investments secured by properties located within and outside the United States. | |
10
| 
FST Holdings
Parent, LLC | 
| 
FST is a privately
held provider of diversified technical services to the semiconductor / microelectronics, life sciences, data center, government,
and higher-education industries. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Innovate Corp. | 
| 
Innovate Corp. is a diversified
holding company that has a portfolio of subsidiaries in a variety of operating segments, infrastructure, life sciences, and broadcasting. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Invesco Mortgage Capital,
Inc. | 
| 
Invesco Mortgage Capital
Inc. is a Maryland corporation primarily focused on investing in, financing and managing mortgage-backed securities (MBS)
and other mortgage-related assets. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
JFL-NGS-WCS
Partners, LLC
NGS-WCS Group Holdings | 
| 
JFL-NGS-WCS Partners, LLC
and NGS-WCS Group Holdings were formed in November 2020 when NorthStar Group Services, a provider of environmental remediation and
deconstruction services, merged with Waste Control Specialists, a leading provider of hazardous and radioactive waste disposal, storage,
and treatment for commercial and government customers. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Kemmerer Operations, LLC | 
| 
Kemmerer Operations, LLC, located in Wyoming, is a
producer of high-value thermal coal and surface-mined coal. | |
| 
Lucky
Bucks, LLC (dba Arc Gaming & Technologies, LLC) LB NewHoldCo, LLC | 
| 
Lucky Bucks,
LLC and LB NewHoldCo, LLC owns and operates digital gaming terminals, or Coin Operated Amusement Machines, in the state of Georgia. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
MB
Precision Investment Holdings LLC | 
| 
MB Precision Holdings LLC
machines, fabricates, and assembles complex, mission-critical component parts for large, industrial manufacturing companies across
the aerospace, defense, and industrial power end-markets. The Company operates three machining facilities in Phoenix, AZ, Cincinnati,
OH, and Winslow, ME. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
MFA Financial, Inc. | 
| 
MFA Financial, Inc. is
an internally-managed REIT primarily engaged in investing in residential mortgage assets, with a focus on residential whole loans,
residential mortgage securities, and mortgage servicing rights-related assets. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Neptune
Bidco US Inc. (dba Nielsen) | 
| 
Nielsen, founded in 1923,
is a global provider of audience measurement, and data and analytics to programmers, content creators and distributors, and advertisers.
Nielsens audience estimates are one of the primary metrics used to determine the value of programming and advertising in the
U.S. television advertising marketplace. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
New York Mortgage Trust,
Inc. | 
| 
NY Mortgage Trust is a
REIT that acquires, invests in, finances and manages mortgage-related single-family and multi-family residential assets in the US. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
NSG Captive Inc. | 
| 
NSG Captive Inc. is a the
parent of National Security Group Inc. (NSG). NSG, headquartered in Elba, AL, is a specialty underwriter of property,
casualty, annuities, life, accident and health insurance, primarily in the Southeastern US. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
NVTN LLC | 
| 
NVTN LLC (d/b/a Dicks
Last Resort), established in 1985 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, is a eatertainment restaurant concept
with locations throughout the US, mostlyin budget friendly tourist destinations. NVTN LLC has developed an identifiable brand
for its high-energy, unique themed restaurant concept that targets tourists and business travelers inhigh foot traffic locations. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Onity Group Inc. | 
| 
Onity Group Inc., a financial
services company, originates and services forward and reverse mortgage loans in the United States, the United States Virgin Islands,
India, and the Philippines. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
PHH Mortgage Corp. | 
| 
PHH Mortgage Corp. services
and originates forward and reverse mortgage loans. The Company has been servicing mortgages since 1988 and commenced origination
of forward mortgage loans in 2012 and reverse mortgage loans in 2013. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Power Stop LLC | 
| 
Power Stop LLC manufactures
and distributes braking systems for cars, trucks, SUVs, performance vehicles, and severe duty trucks and tows. The Company offers
brake kits, caliper kits, brake pads, brake rotors, calipers, brake shoes, and pad wear sensors. It provides products through a network
of distributors in Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa; and online retailers. | |
11
| 
PREIT
Associates | 
| 
PREIT Associates
is a publicly traded real estate investment trust and primarily owns retail shopping malls across 8 states, primarily located in
the Mid-Atlantic region. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
PSB
Group, LLC | 
| 
PSB Group, LLC is a franchisor
that owns a portfolio of ten home-services brands.PSB provides interior and exterior home services including painting,
plumbing, cleaning, handyman, organizing, garage door repair, shelving, and junk removal, among other services. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Redwood
Trust Inc. | 
| 
Redwood Trust Inc. is a
real estate investment trust that invests in mortgages for single-family and rental properties and also acquires, sells, and securitizes
residential loans. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
SS
Acquisition, LLC (dba Soccer Shots Franchising) | 
| 
Soccer Shots Franchising
is a franchised-based system operating in the U.S. and Canada that provides childrens enrichment programs with a unique emphasis
on social, cognitive, and linguistic skill through soccer. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Spotter
Inc. | 
| 
Spotter Inc. works with
content creators to provide content analysis, ideation, prediction, planning, and resources to maximize ad revenue while streamlining
the content creation process. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Stancor
(dba Industrial Flow Solutions Holdings, LLC) | 
| 
Stancor, founded in 1985
and based out of Monroe, CT, is a designer and manufacturer of electric submersible pumps, control, accessories, and parts. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Staples,
Inc. | 
| 
Staples is a B2B distributor
of office supplies in North America and provider of e-commerce via Staples.com. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Tamarix
Capital Partners II, L.P. | 
| 
Tamarix Capital Partners
II, L.P. is a licensed SBIC formed to generate attractive-risk adjusted returns by making debt and preferred equity investments in
United States-based, lower middle market companies operating across a broad cross-section of industries and sectors. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
Thryv
Holdings, Inc. | 
| 
Thryv Holdings, Inc. is
a provider of print and digital marketing solutions to small and medium sized businesses and SaaS end-to-end customer experience
tools. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
WHI Global,
LLC
Wingman Holdings, Inc. | 
| 
WHI Global, LLC and Wingman
Holdings, Inc. are a vertically integrated manufacturer of precision metal components and complex assemblies for the aerospace, defense,
and industrial markets. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
XYZ
Roofco, LLC (dba SMC Roofing Solutions LLC) | 
| 
SMC Roofing is a residential
re-roofing platform that focuses on the insurance-driven weather damage market, specifically hail and windstorm damage. | |
**Payment
of Our Expenses**
Since
January 1, 2021, we are internally managed and do not pay any external investment advisory fees, but instead directly incur the operating
costs associated with employing professionals and staff. We bear all costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including,
but not limited to those related to:
| 
| our
organization and continued corporate existence; | 
|
| 
| calculating
our net asset value (NAV) (including the cost and expenses of any independent
valuation firms); | 
|
12
| 
| expenses,
including travel expense, incurred by our professionals or payable to third parties performing
due diligence on prospective portfolio companies, monitoring our investments and, if necessary,
enforcing our rights; | 
|
| 
| interest
payable on debt incurred to finance our investments; | 
|
| 
| the
costs of all offerings of common shares and other securities; | 
|
| 
| operating
costs associated with employing investment professionals and other staff; | 
|
| 
| distributions
on our shares; | 
|
| 
| 
| 
administration fees payable
under our administration agreement; | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
| 
| 
custodial fees related
to our assets | |
| 
| amounts
payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making investments; | 
|
| 
| transfer
agent and custodial fees; | 
|
| 
| all
registration and listing fees; | 
|
| 
| U.S.
federal, state and local taxes; | 
|
| 
| independent
directors fees and expenses; | 
|
| 
| costs
of preparing and filing reports or other documents with the SEC or other regulators; | 
|
| 
| the
costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to our stockholders, including printing
costs; | 
|
| 
| our
fidelity bond; | 
|
| 
| the
operating lease of our office space; | 
|
| 
| directors
and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums; | 
|
| 
| indemnification
payments; and | 
|
| 
| direct
costs and expenses of administration, including audit and legal costs. | 
|
**Administration
Agreement**
In
connection with the adoption by the board of directors of an internalized management structure, on November 19, 2020, the Company entered
into a Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement and an Administration Servicing Agreement on customary terms with U.S. Bancorp. A U.S. Bancorp
affiliate also served as the Companys custodian. The Companys administrative and custodial relationship with U.S. Bancorp
terminated on August 9, 2022. SS&C has since served as administrator of the Company and has provided us with fund accounting and
financial reporting services pursuant to its Services Agreement with the Company. Effective September 12, 2022, Computershare serves
as custodian for the Company pursuant to its Loan Administration and Custodial Agreement with the Company. For the years ended September
30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we incurred $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.3 million in administrator expenses, respectively.
13
**Internalized
Management Structure**
On
November 18, 2020, the board of directors approved adoption of an internalized management structure effective January 1, 2021.
To
lead the internalized management team, the board appointed David Lorber, who had served as an independent director of the Company since
April 2019, as Chief Executive Officer and Ellida McMillan, who previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
of Alcentra Capital Corporation, a NASDAQ-traded BDC, from April 2017 until it merged into Crescent Capital BDC, Inc. in February 2020,
as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each effective January 1, 2021. Mr. Lorber is paid an annual base salary of $530,000, and
Ms. McMillan is paid an annual base salary of $350,000, and each is eligible for one or more discretionary cash bonuses.
The
internalized management team is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the Company, under the oversight of the board.
The internalized management team presently consists of 4 investment professionals and 7 employees/consultants overall. The Company retained
ACA Group, the successor to Alaric Compliance Services, LLC, whose officer serves as the Companys Chief Compliance Officer. As
discussed above, the Company has also entered into a services agreement on customary terms with SS&C, which serves as the Companys
administrator, as well as a loan administration and custodial agreement on customary terms with Computershare, who serves as our primary
custodian.
**REGULATION**
**General**
We
have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions
between BDCs and their affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters and requires that a majority
of the directors be persons other than interested persons, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. In addition, the 1940
Act provides that we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw our election as, a BDC unless approved
by a majority of our outstanding voting securities.
As
a BDC, we are required to meet an asset coverage ratio, reflecting the value of our total assets to our total senior securities, which
include all of our borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future, of at least 200%. However, in March 2018, the Small
Business Credit Availability Act (the SBCA) modified the 1940 Act by allowing a BDC to increase the maximum amount of leverage
it may incur from 200% to 150%, if certain requirements are met. Under the 1940 Act, we are allowed to increase our leverage capacity
if stockholders representing at least a majority of the votes cast, when a quorum is present, approve a proposal to do so. If we receive
stockholder approval, we would be allowed to increase our leverage capacity on the first day after such approval. Alternatively, the
1940 Act allows the majority of our independent directors to approve an increase in our leverage capacity, and such approval would become
effective on the one-year anniversary of such approval. In either case, we would be required to make certain disclosures on our website
and in SEC filings regarding, among other things, the receipt of approval to increase our leverage, our leverage capacity and usage,
and risks related to leverage. The Company has not sought stockholder or independent director approval to reduce its asset coverage ratio
to 150%.
On
March 23, 2018, the SBCA was signed into law and, among other things, instructs the SEC to issue rules or amendments to rules allowing
BDCs to use the same registration, offering and communication processes that are available to operating companies. The rules and amendments
specified by the SBCA became self-implementing on March 24, 2019. On April 8, 2020, the SEC adopted rules and amendments to implement
certain provisions of the SBCA (the Final Rules) that, among other things, modify the registration, offering, and communication
processes available to BDCs relating to: (i) the shelf offering process to permit the use of short-form registration statements on Form
N-2 and incorporation by reference; (ii) the ability to qualify for well-known seasoned issuer status; (iii) the immediate or automatic
effectiveness of certain filings made in connection with continuous public offerings; and (iv) communication processes and prospectus
delivery. In addition, the SEC adopted rules that will require BDCs to comply with certain structured data and inline XBRL requirements.
The Final Rules generally became effective on August 1, 2020, except that a BDC eligible to file short-form registration statements on
Form N-2, like the Company, must comply with the Inline XBRL structured data requirements for its financial statements, registration
statement cover page, and certain prospectus information by August 1, 2022.
14
We
may also be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior
approval of our directors who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC.
**Qualifying
Assets**
Under
the 1940 Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred
to as qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the companys
total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets relevant to our business are the following:
| 
(1) | Securities
purchased in transactions not involving any public offering from the issuer of such securities,
which issuer (subject to certain limited exceptions) is an eligible portfolio company, or
from any person who is, or has been during the preceding 13 months, an affiliated person
of an eligible portfolio company, or from any other person, subject to such rules as may
be prescribed by the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the 1940 Act as any
issuer which: | 
|
| 
| 
| 
is organized under the
laws of, and has its principal place of business in, the United States; | |
| 
| 
| 
is not an investment company
(other than a small business investment company wholly owned by the Company) or a company that would be an investment company but
for certain exclusions under the 1940 Act; and | |
| 
| 
| 
satisfies any of the following: | |
| 
| 
| 
has a market capitalization
of less than $250 million or does not have any class of securities listed on a national securities exchange; | |
| 
| 
| 
is controlled by a BDC
or a group of companies including a BDC, the BDC actually exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of the
eligible portfolio company, and, as a result thereof, the BDC has an affiliated person who is a director of the eligible portfolio
company; or | |
| 
| 
| 
is a small and solvent
company having total assets of not more than $4 million and capital and surplus of not less than $2 million. | |
| 
| 
(2) | 
Securities of an eligible
portfolio company purchased from any person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for such securities and we already
own 60% of the outstanding equity of the eligible portfolio company. | |
| 
| 
(3) | 
Securities received in
exchange for or distributed on or with respect to securities described above, or pursuant to the exercise of warrants or rights relating
to such securities. | |
| 
| 
(4) | 
Securities of any eligible
portfolio company which we control. | |
| 
| 
(5) | 
Securities purchased in
a private transaction from a U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions
incident thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the purchase
of its securities was unable to meet its obligations as they came due without material assistance other than conventional lending
or financing arrangements. | |
| 
| 
(6) | 
Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities
or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment. | |
The
regulations defining and interpreting qualifying assets may change over time. We may adjust our investment focus needed to comply with
and/or take advantage of any regulatory, legislative, administrative or judicial actions in this area.
15
**Managerial
Assistance to Portfolio Companies**
A
BDC must have been organized and have its principal place of business in the United States and must be operated for the purpose of making
investments in the types of securities described in Regulation Qualifying Assets above. However, in order to count
portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% requirement, the BDC generally must either control the issuer of
the securities or must offer to make available to the issuer of the securities significant managerial assistance. Where the BDC purchases
such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, the BDC will satisfy this test if one of the other persons
in the group makes available such managerial assistance. Making available managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement
whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance
and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.
**Temporary
Investments**
Pending
investment in other types of qualifying assets, as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents,
U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which we refer to,
collectively, as temporary investments, so that 70% of our assets are qualifying assets. Typically, we will invest in highly rated commercial
paper, U.S. government agency notes, U.S. Treasury bills or in repurchase agreements relating to such securities that are fully collateralized
by cash or securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement involves the purchase by an investor, such
as us, of a specified security and the simultaneous agreement by the seller to repurchase it at an agreed-upon future date and at a price
which is greater than the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon interest rate. There is no percentage restriction
on the proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase agreements. However, certain diversification tests that must
be met in order to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes will typically require us to limit the amount we invest with
any one counterparty. We will monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.
**Senior
Securities**
We
are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our common stock
if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% (or 150% if certain requirements are met) immediately after
each such issuance. In addition, while any preferred stock or publicly traded debt securities are outstanding, we may be prohibited from
making distributions to our stockholders or the repurchasing of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage
ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary
or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. For a discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see Item 1A. Risk
FactorsRisks Related to our BusinessBecause we use borrowed funds to make investments or fund our business operations,
we are exposed to risks typically associated with leverage which increase the risk of investing in us.
**Code of
Ethics**
We
have adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that establishes procedures for personal investments and restricts
certain personal securities transactions. Personnel subject to each code may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts,
including securities that may be purchased or held by us, so long as such investments are made in accordance with the codes requirements.
The code of ethics is available at our website, *www.phenixfc.com*, and is available on the EDGAR Database on the SECs Internet
site at *http://www.sec.gov*.
**Privacy
Policy**
We
are committed to maintaining the privacy of stockholders and to safeguarding our non-public personal information. The following information
is provided to help you understand what personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we
may share information with select other parties.
16
Generally,
we do not receive any non-public personal information relating to our stockholders, although certain non-public personal information
of our stockholders may become available to us. We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our stockholders or former
stockholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service stockholder accounts (for example, to a transfer
agent or third party administrator).
We
restrict access to non-public personal information about our stockholders to our employees with a legitimate business need for the information.
We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the non-public personal information of our stockholders.
**Proxy
Voting Policies and Procedures**
Our
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are set forth below. The guidelines are reviewed periodically by management and our independent
directors, and, accordingly, are subject to change.
****
**Proxy
Policies**
Our
proxy voting decisions are made by our investment professionals, who review on a case-by-case basis each proposal submitted to a shareholder
vote to determine its impact on the portfolio securities held by the Company. Although the Company generally votes against proposals
that may have a negative impact on our portfolio securities, we may vote for such a proposal if there exists compelling long-term reasons
to do so. We generally do not believe it is necessary to engage the services of an independent third party to assist in issue analysis
and vote recommendation for proxy proposals. Under certain circumstances and when deemed in the best interests of shareholders, the Company
may, in the discretion of its officers, refrain from exercising its proxy voting right for a particular decision.
To
ensure that our vote is not the product of a conflict of interest, we require that: (i) anyone involved in the decision making process
disclose to our Chief Compliance Officer any potential conflict that he or she is aware of and any contact that he or she has had with
any interested party regarding a proxy vote; and (ii) employees involved in the decision making process or vote administration are prohibited
from revealing how we intend to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties, unless such employee
has received pre-approval from our Chief Compliance Officer.
****
**Proxy
Voting Records**
You may obtain
information about how we voted proxies by making a written request for proxy voting information to:
Chief Compliance
Officer
PhenixFIN
Corporation
445 Park
Avenue, 10th Floor
New York,
NY 10022
**Other**
****
Under
the 1940 Act, we are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below NAV per share. We may, however, issue and
sell our common stock, at a price below the current NAV of the common stock, or issue and sell warrants, options or rights to acquire
such common stock, at a price below the current NAV of the common stock if our board of directors determines that such sale is in our
best interest and in the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders have approved our policy and practice of making such
sales within the preceding 12 months. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than
a price which, in the determination of our board of directors, closely approximates the market value of such securities. However, we
currently do not have the requisite stockholder approval, nor do we have any current plans to seek stockholder approval, to sell or issue
shares of our common stock at a price below NAV per share.
In
addition, at our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders we received approval from our stockholders to authorize us, with the approval of
our board of directors, to issue securities to, subscribe to, convert to, or purchase shares of the Companys common stock in one
or more offerings, subject to certain conditions as set forth in the proxy statement. Such authorization has no expiration.
17
We expect
to be periodically examined by the SEC for compliance with the 1940 Act.
We
are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect us against larceny and embezzlement.
Furthermore, as a BDC, we are prohibited from protecting any director or officer against any liability to us or our stockholders arising
from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such persons
office.
We
adopted written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws, and will review these
policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation. We have designated a Chief Compliance
Officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures.
**Election
to Be Taxed as a RIC**
We
have elected and intend to qualify annually to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally will not be
subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that we timely distribute to our stockholders
as dividends. To qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements
(as described below). In addition, we must distribute to our stockholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of our investment
company taxable income, which is generally our net ordinary income plus the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over
realized net long-term capital losses (the Distribution Requirement).
**Taxation
as a RIC**
As
a RIC, if we satisfy the Distribution Requirement, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of our investment
company taxable income and net capital gain, defined as net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses, we timely
distribute to stockholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on any net income or net capital
gain not distributed to our stockholders.
We
will be subject to a nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax of 4% on undistributed income if we do not distribute at least the sum of
98% of our ordinary income in any calendar year, 98.2% of our capital gain net income for each one-year period ending on October 31 of
such year, and any income and capital gain net income that we recognized in preceding years, but were not distributed during such years,
and on which we did not pay U.S. federal income tax. Depending on the level of investment company taxable income (ICTI)
earned in a tax year and the amount of net capital gains recognized in such tax year, we may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of
current year dividend distributions into the next tax year. In order to eliminate our liability for income tax, and to the extent necessary
to maintain our qualification as a RIC, any such carryover ICTI and net capital gains must be distributed before the end of that next
tax year through a dividend declared prior to the 15th day of the 9th month after the close of the taxable year in which such ICTI was
generated. To the extent that we determine that our estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current
year dividend distributions for U.S. federal excise tax purposes, we accrue U.S. federal excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable
income as taxable income is earned. On December 13, 2024, the Company identified that it did not distribute at least 90% of its investment
company taxable income for the tax year ended September 30, 2024. The Company filed Form 8927 on December 16, 2024 notifying the IRS.
In order
to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must, among other things:
| 
| qualify
to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act at all times during each taxable year; | 
|
| 
| derive
in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from dividends, interest, payments
with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale of stock or other securities,
or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock or securities,
and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships
(generally, partnerships that are traded on an established securities market or tradable
on a secondary market, other than partnerships that could qualify as RICs if such partnerships
were domestic corporations) (the 90% Income Test); and | 
|
18
| 
| diversify
our holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year: | 
|
| 
| | 
|
| 
| at
least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government
securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any
one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and | 
|
| 
| no
more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in the securities, other than U.S. government
securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer or of two or more issuers that are
controlled, as determined under applicable tax rules, by us and that are engaged in the same
or similar or related trades or businesses or in the securities of one or more qualified
publicly traded partnerships (the Diversification Tests). | 
|
We
may invest in partnerships, including qualified publicly traded partnerships, which may result in our being subject to state, local or
foreign income and franchise or withholding liabilities.
Any
underwriting fees paid by us are not deductible. We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive
cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as
debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, with increasing interest rates or issued with warrants), we must include in
income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing
such income is received by us in the same taxable year. Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in our investment
company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the
Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount.
Although
we do not presently expect to do so, we are authorized to borrow funds and to sell assets in order to satisfy the Distribution Requirement.
However, under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while our debt obligations and other senior
securities are outstanding unless certain asset coverage tests are met. See Business Regulation 
Senior Securities. Moreover, our ability to dispose of assets to satisfy the Distribution Requirement may be limited by (1) the
illiquid nature of our portfolio and/or (2) other requirements relating to our qualification as a RIC, including the Diversification
Tests. If we dispose of assets in order to meet the Distribution Requirement or avoid the imposition of excise tax, we may make such
dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous.
Some
of the income and fees that we may recognize will not count towards satisfaction of the 90% Income Test. In order to ensure that such
income and fees do not disqualify us as a RIC for a failure to satisfy the 90% Income Test, we may be required to recognize such income
and fees indirectly through one or more entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such corporations will
be required to pay corporate level U.S. federal income tax on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce our return on such income
and fees.
**Failure
to Qualify as a RIC**
If
we were unable to continue to qualify for treatment as a RIC, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on all of our taxable income
at regular corporate rates. We would not be able to deduct distributions to stockholders, nor would they be required to be made. Distributions,
including distributions of net long-term capital gain, would generally be taxable to our stockholders as ordinary dividend income to
the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, corporate distributees
would be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would
be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the stockholders tax basis in their shares of the RIC, and any distributions
in excess of tax basis would be treated as a capital gain. If we fail to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years,
to qualify as a RIC in a subsequent year we may be subject to regular corporate level U.S. federal income tax on any net built-in gains
with respect to certain of our assets (*i.e.*, the excess of the aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses
that would have been realized with respect to such assets if we had been liquidated) that we elect to recognize on requalification or
when recognized over the next five years.
19
**Company
Investments**
Certain
of our investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (1) disallow,
suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, including the dividends received deduction, (2) convert lower
taxed long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income into higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (3) convert
ordinary loss or a deduction into capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (4) cause us to recognize income or gain
without a corresponding receipt of cash, (5) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed
to occur, (6) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (7) produce income that will not qualify
as good income for purposes of the 90% Income Test described above. We will monitor our transactions and may make certain tax elections
and may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification as a
RIC.
Investments
we make in securities issued at a discount or providing for deferred interest or payment of interest in kind are subject to special tax
rules that will affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to stockholders. For example, if we hold debt obligations that
are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases,
with increasing interest rates or issued with warrants), we will generally be required to accrue daily as income a portion of the discount
and to distribute such income each year to avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes. Since in certain circumstances we may recognize
income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty making distributions in the amounts necessary
to satisfy the requirements for maintaining RIC tax treatment and for avoiding U.S. federal income and excise taxes. Accordingly, we
may have to sell some of our investments at times we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce
new investment originations to meet these distribution requirements. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail
to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC and thereby be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax.
Gain
or loss realized by us from warrants acquired by us as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally will be
treated as capital gain or loss. Such gain or loss generally will be long term or short term, depending on how long we held a particular
warrant.
In
the event we invest in foreign securities, we may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes with respect to those securities.
In that case, our yield on those securities would be decreased. We do not expect to satisfy the requirements necessary to pass through
to our stockholders their share of the foreign taxes paid by us.
If
we purchase shares in a passive foreign investment company (a PFIC), we may be subject to U.S.
federal income tax on a portion of any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such
income is distributed as a taxable dividend by us to our stockholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on
us in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains. If we invest in a PFIC and elect to treat the PFIC as a qualified
electing fund under the Code (a QEF), in lieu of the foregoing requirements, we will be required to
include in income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the QEF, even if such income is not distributed
to us. Alternatively, we may be able to elect to mark-to-market at the end of each taxable year our shares in certain PFICs; in this
case, we will recognize as ordinary income any increase in the value of such shares, and as ordinary loss any decrease in such value
to the extent it does not exceed prior increases included in income. Under either election, we may be required to recognize in a year
income in excess of our distributions from PFICs and our proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock during that year, and such income will
nevertheless be subject to the Distribution Requirement and will be taken into account for purposes of the 4% U.S. federal excise tax
described above.
Income
inclusions from a QEF will be good income for purposes of the 90% Income Test provided that they are derived in
connection with our business of investing in stocks and securities or the QEF distributes such income to us in the same taxable year
in which the income is included in our income.
20
**Item
1A. Risk Factors**
*Before
you invest in our securities, you should be aware of various risks, including those described below. You should carefully consider these
risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this Form 10-K, before you decide whether to make an investment
in our securities. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. The risks described below, as well as additional risks and
uncertainties presently unknown by us or currently not deemed significant could negatively affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations. In such case, our NAV and the trading price of our common stock or other securities could decline, and you may
lose all or part of your investment.*
**RISK RELATING
TO OUR BUSINESS AND STRUCTURE**
**Certain
Risks in the Current Environment**
**We
are currently operating in a period of capital markets disruptions and economic uncertainty. Such market conditions may materially and
adversely affect the yields, and increase the risks of, our investments in portfolio companies, and make it more difficult for us to
raise equity capital should we choose to do so.**
From
time to time, capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. The U.S. economy, as well as other major economies,
may experience a recession, and we anticipate our businesses would be materially and adversely affected by a prolonged recession in the
United States and other major markets. Disruptions in the capital markets have increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free
and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. Any recession or future significant market events
or disruptions (e.g. pandemics, war, natural disasters or terrorist activities) could have an adverse impact on the ability of lenders
to originate loans, the volume and type of loans originated, the ability of borrowers to make payments and the volume and type of amendments
and waivers granted to borrowers and remedial actions taken in the event of a borrower default, each of which could negatively impact
the amount and quality of loans available for investment by the Company and returns to the Company, among other things. Recession, pandemics
and other future market disruptions and/or illiquidity could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets
or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could limit our investment originations, limit our ability
to grow and have a material negative impact on our operating results and the fair values of our debt and equity investments. We may have
to access, if available, alternative markets for debt and equity capital, and a severe disruption in the global financial markets, deterioration
in credit and financing conditions or uncertainty regarding U.S. government spending and deficit levels or other global economic conditions
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
For
example, between 2008 and 2009, the U.S. and global capital markets were unstable as evidenced by periodic disruptions in liquidity in
the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated
credit market and the failure of major financial institutions. Despite actions of the U.S. federal government and foreign governments,
these events contributed to worsening general economic conditions that materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit
markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial services firms in particular.
Equity
capital may be difficult to raise during periods of adverse or volatile market conditions because, subject to some limited exceptions,
as a BDC, we are generally not able to issue additional shares of our common stock at a price less than NAV without first obtaining approval
for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. Volatility and dislocation in the capital markets can also create
a challenging environment in which to raise or access debt capital. The current market and future market conditions similar to those
experienced from 2008 through 2009 for any substantial length of time could make it difficult to extend the maturity of or refinance
our existing indebtedness or obtain new indebtedness with similar terms and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect
on our business. The debt capital that will be available to us in the future, if at all, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable
terms and conditions than what we currently experience, including being at a higher cost in a rising interest rate environment. If any
of these conditions appear, they may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. These events
could limit our investment originations, limit our ability to increase returns to equity holders through the effective use of leverage,
and negatively impact our operating results.
21
In
addition, significant changes or volatility in the capital markets may also have a negative effect on the valuations of our investments.
While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation
process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through
its maturity). Significant changes in the capital markets may also affect the pace of our investment activity and the potential for liquidity
events involving our investments. Thus, the illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell our investments to access
capital if required, and as a result, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments if
we were required to sell them for liquidity purposes. An inability to raise or access capital could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Governmental
authorities worldwide have taken increased measures to stabilize the markets and support economic growth. The success of these measures
is unknown and they may not be sufficient to address the market dislocations or avert severe and prolonged reductions in economic activity.
**Events
outside of our control, including terrorist attacks, acts of war, natural disasters, significant tariffs or public health crises, could
negatively affect the portfolio companies in which we invest and make the valuation of those investments more uncertain.**
Periods
of market volatility have occurred and could continue to occur in response to pandemics or other events outside of our control, including
terrorist attacks, acts of war, natural disasters, significant tariffs, public health crises or similar events. These types of events
have adversely affected and could continue to adversely affect operating results for us and for our portfolio companies.
The
large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 resulted in sanctions and market disruptions, including declines in regional
and global stock markets, unusual volatility in global commodity markets and significant devaluations of Russian currency. The extent
and duration of the military action are impossible to predict but could be significant. Market disruption caused by the Russian military
action, and any counter measures or responses thereto (including international sanctions, a downgrade in a countrys credit rating,
purchasing and financing restrictions, boycotts, tariffs, changes in consumer or purchaser preferences, cyberattacks and espionage) could
continue to have severe adverse impacts on regional and/or global securities and commodities markets, including markets for oil and natural
gas. These impacts may include reduced market liquidity, distress in credit markets, further disruption of global supply chains, increased
risk of inflation, and limited access to investments in certain international markets and/or issuers. In addition, the conflicts in the
Middle East and terrorist acts may cause significant volatility in the markets and/or market disruptions.
The
extent and duration of these military actions, conflicts and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict, but have been and
could continue to be substantial, and any such market disruptions could affect our portfolio companies operations. As a result,
our portfolio investments could decline in value or our valuation of them could become uncertain.
We
have evaluated subsequent events from September 30, 2025 through the filing date of this annual report on Form 10-K. However, as the
discussion in Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates to the Companys
financial statements for the annual period ended September 30, 2025, the analysis contained herein may not fully account for market event
impacts. As of September 30, 2025, the Company valued its portfolio investments in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP) based on the facts and circumstances known by the Company at that time, or reasonably expected to be
known at that time. Due to the overall volatility that market events may have caused during the months following our most recent valuation
(as of September 30, 2025), any valuations conducted now or in the future in conformity with U.S. GAAP could result in a lower fair value
of our portfolio.
22
**Trade
negotiations and related government actions may create regulatory uncertainty for our portfolio companies and our investment strategies
and adversely affect the profitability of portfolio companies.**
Recently,
the U.S. government has indicated its intent to alter its approach to international trade policy and in some cases to renegotiate, or
potentially terminate, certain existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements and treaties with foreign countries, and has made
proposals and taken actions related thereto, and has proposed and/or taken actions to increase tariffs or other duties on goods or products
being imported into the U.S. For example, the U.S. government has imposed, and may in the future increase, tariffs on certain foreign
goods, including from China, such as steel and aluminum. Some foreign governments, including China, have instituted retaliatory tariffs
on certain U.S. goods. Recently, the current U.S. presidential administration has proposed and/or imposed significant increases to tariffs
on goods imported into the U.S., including from China, Canada, and Mexico. We cannot predict how or what tariffs will be imposed or what
retaliatory measures other countries, including China, may take in response to tariffs proposed or imposed by the U.S. Such uncertainty
and/or tariffs or counter-measures could further increase costs, decrease margins, reduce the competitiveness of products and services
offered by current and future portfolio companies and adversely affect the revenues and profitability of portfolio companies whose businesses
rely on imported goods. There is uncertainty as to further actions that may be taken under the current U.S. presidential administration
with respect to U.S. trade policy, including with respect to the proposed tariffs. Further governmental actions related to the imposition
of tariffs or other trade barriers, or changes to international trade agreements or policies, could create further regulatory uncertainty
for our portfolio companies and adversely affect their businesses and financial condition, particularly to the extent the revenues and
profitability of their businesses rely on goods imported from outside of the United States.
****
**Government
Policies, Changes in Laws, and International Trade.**
Governmental
regulatory activity, especially that of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, may have a significant effect on interest
rates and on the economy generally, which in turn may affect the price of the securities in which the Company plans to invest. High interest
rates, the imposition of credit controls or other restraints on the financing of takeovers or other acquisitions could diminish the number
of merger tender offers, exchange offers or other acquisitions, and as a consequence have a materially adverse effect on the activities
of the Company Moreover, changes in U.S. federal, state, and local tax laws, U.S. federal or state securities and bankruptcy laws or
in accounting standards may make corporate acquisitions or restructurings less desirable or make risk arbitrage less profitable. Amendments
to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other relevant laws could also alter an expected outcome or introduce greater uncertainty regarding the
likely outcome of an investment situation. In addition, governmental policies could create uncertainty for the global financial system
and such uncertainty may increase the risks inherent to the Company and its activities. For example, tariffs and restrictions, as well
as other changes in U.S. trade policy, have resulted in, and may continue to trigger, retaliatory actions by affected countries, including
imposing trade sanctions on certain U.S. products. A trade war of this nature has the potential to increase costs, decrease
margins, reduce the competitiveness of products and services offered by current and future portfolio companies and adversely affect the
revenues and profitability of companies whose businesses rely on imports and exports. Prospective investors should realize that any significant
changes in governmental policies (including tariffs and other policies involving international trade) could have a material adverse impact
on the Company and its investments.
****
**Rising
interest rates may increase our borrowing costs and reduce the net return that we are able to achieve on debt investments in portfolio
companies, and may also increase the risk of default on our portfolio company loans.**
In
2023, the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates. Additional interest rate increases may come. Changing interest rates may
have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from our performance to the extent
we are exposed to such interest rates and/or volatility. In periods of rising interest rates, such as the current interest rate environment,
to the extent we borrow money subject to a floating interest rate, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment
income. Further, rising interest rates could also adversely affect our performance if such increases cause our borrowing costs to rise
at a rate in excess of the rate that our investments yield. Further, rising interest rates could also adversely affect our performance
if we hold investments with floating interest rates, subject to specified minimum interest rates (such as a SOFR floor), while at the
same time engaging in borrowings subject to floating interest rates not subject to such minimums. In such a scenario, rising interest
rates may increase our interest expense, even though our interest income from investments is not increasing in a corresponding manner
as a result of such minimum interest rates.
23
If
general interest rates rise, there is a risk that the portfolio companies in which we hold floating rate securities will be unable to
pay escalating interest amounts, which could result in a default under their loan documents with us. Rising interest rates could also
cause portfolio companies to shift cash from other productive uses to the payment of interest, which may have a material adverse effect
on their business and operations and could, over time, lead to increased defaults. In addition, rising interest rates may increase pressure
on us to provide fixed rate loans to our portfolio companies, which could adversely affect our net investment income, as increases in
our cost of borrowed funds would not be accompanied by increased interest income from such fixed-rate investments.
****
**Further
downgrades of the U.S. credit rating, automatic spending cuts, or another government shutdown could negatively impact our cost of borrowing
and the net return on our investments.**
U.S.
debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns,
or a recession in the United States. Although U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling on multiple occasions,
ratings agencies have lowered or threatened to lower the long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States. The impact of this or
any further downgrades to the U.S. governments sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could adversely affect
the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. Absent further quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve, these developments
could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable
terms. If our borrowing costs were to rise on account of these factors, and we were unable to raise the rates of return on our portfolio
company debt, our net return on investments would decline.
**Economic
recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies, increase our funding costs and limit our access to capital.**
Many
of our portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay our debt investments during
these periods. In the past, instability in the global capital markets resulted in disruptions in liquidity in the debt capital markets,
significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market and the
failure of major domestic and international financial institutions. In particular, in past periods of instability, the financial services
sector was negatively impacted by significant write-offs as the value of the assets held by financial firms declined, impairing their
capital positions and abilities to lend and invest. In addition, continued uncertainty between the United States and other countries,
including China and Russia, with respect to trade policies, treaties, and tariffs, among other factors, have caused disruption in the
global markets. There can be no assurance that market conditions will not worsen in the future.
In
an economic downturn, we may have non-performing assets or non-performing assets may increase, and the value of our portfolio is likely
to decrease during these periods. Adverse economic conditions may also decrease the value of any collateral securing our loans. A severe
recession may further decrease the value of such collateral and result in losses of value in our portfolio and a decrease in our revenues,
net income, assets and net worth. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital
markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us on terms we deem acceptable. These events could prevent us from
increasing investments and harm our operating results.
The
occurrence of recessionary conditions and/or negative developments in the domestic and international credit markets may significantly
affect the markets in which we do business, the value of our investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. Any such
unfavorable economic conditions, including rising interest rates, may also increase our funding costs, limit our access to capital markets
or negatively impact our ability to obtain financing, particularly from the debt markets. In addition, any future financial market uncertainty
could lead to financial market disruptions and could further impact our ability to obtain financing. These events could limit our investment
originations, limit our ability to grow and negatively impact our operating results and financial condition.
****
**Risks
Related to Our Business**
As
a result of our internalized operating structure, including our internalized management and investment functions, we may incur significant
costs and face significant risks associated with being self-managed, including adverse effects on our business and financial condition.
24
Effective
January 1, 2021, we operate under an internalized operating structure, including our management and investment functions. There can be
no assurances that our internalized operating structure will be beneficial to us and our stockholders, as we may not be able to effectively
replicate the services previously provided to us by our former investment adviser and administrator.
While
we no longer bear the costs of the various fees and expenses we previously paid under the investment management and administration agreements
with our previous adviser and administrator, we have other significant direct expenses. These include general and administrative costs,
legal, accounting and other governance expenses and costs and expenses related to managing our portfolio. We also incur the compensation
and benefits costs of our officers and other employees and consultants. In addition, we may be subject to potential liabilities commonly
faced by employers, such as workers disability and compensation claims, potential labor disputes and other employee-related liabilities
and grievances.
All
of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and ability to pay distributions.
**As
an internally managed BDC, we are dependent upon our management team and other professionals, and if we are not able to hire and retain
qualified personnel, we will not realize the benefits of an internally managed BDC.**
Our
ability to achieve our investment objectives and to make distributions to our stockholders depends upon the performance of our management
team and professionals. We may experience difficulty identifying, engaging and retaining management, investment and general and administrative
personnel with the necessary expertise and credit-related investment experience. As an internally managed BDC, our ability to offer more
competitive and flexible compensation structures, such as offering both a profit-sharing plan and an equity incentive plan, is subject
to the limitations imposed by the 1940 Act, which could limit our ability to attract and retain talented investment management professionals.
If
we are unable to attract and retain highly talented professionals for the internal management of our Company, we will not realize the
benefits of an internally managed BDC, and the results of our operation could deteriorate.
**We
may suffer credit and capital losses.**
Making
private debt and private equity investments is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of credit and capital loss, and
therefore an investment in our securities may not be suitable for someone with a low tolerance for risk. These risks are likely to increase
during an economic recession, such as the economic recession or downturn that the United States and many other countries have recently
experienced or are experiencing.
**Because
we use borrowed funds to make investments or fund our business operations, we are exposed to risks typically associated with leverage
which increase the risk of investing in us.**
We
have borrowed funds, including through the issuance of $57.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.25% unsecured notes due November
1, 2028 (the Notes or the 2028 Notes) to leverage our capital structure, which is generally considered a
speculative investment technique. In addition, on December 15, 2022, the Company entered into a 3-year $50.0 million revolving credit
facility (the Credit Facility) with Woodforest Bank, N.A. (Woodforest), Valley National Bank, and Axiom Bank,
(collectively, the Lenders), which was amended on February 21, 2024 to increase the principal amount of loan available
under the Credit Facility by $12.5 million to $62.5 million. On August 5, 2024 (the Second Amendment Effective Date), in
order to increase the size of the Credit Facility, the parties to the Credit Facility amended the Credit Facility, effective as of the
Second Amendment Effective Date (the Second Amendment). The Second Amendment increased the principal amount of loan available
under the Credit Facility by $25 million to $87.5 million.
25
On
April 17, 2025 (the Third Amendment Effective Date), in order to extend the term and increase the size of the Credit Facility,
the parties to the Credit Facility amended the terms of the Credit Facility, effective as of the Third Amendment Effective Date (the
Third Amendment). The Third Amendment increased the principal amount of the loan available under the Credit Facility by
$12.5 million to $100.0 million (with potential access to up to an additional $50.0 million pursuant to an uncommitted accordion provision)
and appointed BankUnited, N.A. to assume all agency and syndication responsibilities from the prior agent and lenders. The Amendment
also extended the term of the credit facility to April 17, 2030, five years from the Third Amendment Effective Date. Other material terms
remain substantially unchanged. As a result:
| 
| our
common stock may be exposed to an increased risk of loss because a decrease in the value
of our investments may have a greater negative impact on the value of our common stock than
if we did not use leverage; | 
|
| 
| if
we do not appropriately match the assets and liabilities of our business, adverse changes
in interest rates could reduce or eliminate the incremental income we make with the proceeds
of any leverage; | 
|
| 
| our
ability to pay distributions on our common stock may be restricted if our asset coverage
ratio with respect to each of our outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness
and our outstanding preferred shares, as defined by the 1940 Act, is not at least 200% and
any amounts used to service indebtedness or preferred stock would not be available for such
distributions; | 
|
| 
| any
credit facility to which we became a party may be subject to periodic renewal by our lenders,
whose continued participation cannot be guaranteed; | 
|
| 
| any
credit facility to which we became a party may contain covenants restricting our operating
flexibility; | 
|
| 
| we,
and indirectly our stockholders, bear the cost of issuing and paying interest or dividends
on such securities; and | 
|
| 
| any
convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue may have rights, preferences and privileges
more favorable than those of our common shares. | 
|
Under
the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue debt securities or preferred stock and/or borrow money from banks
and other financial institutions, which we collectively refer to as senior securities, only in amounts such that our asset
coverage ratio equals at least 200% (or 150% if, pursuant to the 1940 Act, certain requirements are met) after each issuance of senior
securities.
For
a discussion of the terms of the Notes, see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
- Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources.
As
of September 30, 2025, the Companys asset coverage was 207.8% after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Companys
asset coverage is above 200%, the minimum asset coverage requirement applicable to the Company under the 1940 Act.
**The
lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.**
We
anticipate that our investments generally will be made in private companies. Substantially all of these securities will be subject to
legal and other restrictions on resale or will be otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of our investments
may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion
of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we had previously recorded our investments. In addition,
we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that we have material non-public
information regarding such portfolio company.
26
**A
substantial portion of our portfolio investments will be recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by our valuation designee
under the oversight of our board of directors and, as a result, there may be uncertainty regarding the value of our portfolio investments.**
The
debt and equity securities in which we invest for which market quotations are not readily available will be valued at fair value as determined
in good faith by our Chief Financial Officer, the Companys valuation designee, under the oversight of our board of directors.
Most of our investments (other than cash and cash equivalents) will be classified as Level 3 under Accounting Standards Codification
Topic 820 - Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. This means that our portfolio valuations will be based on unobservable inputs and
our own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability in question. We expect that inputs into the determination
of fair value of our portfolio investments will require significant management judgment or estimation. Even if observable market data
are available, such information may be the result of consensus pricing information or broker quotes, which include a disclaimer that
the broker would not be held to such a price in an actual transaction. The non-binding nature of consensus pricing and/or quotes accompanied
by disclaimers materially reduces the reliability of such information. We have retained the services of independent valuation firms to
review the valuation of various loans and securities. The types of factors that we may take into account in determining the fair value
of our investments generally include, as appropriate, comparison to publicly traded securities including such factors as yield, maturity
and measures of credit quality, the enterprise value of a portfolio company, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio
companys ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business
and other relevant factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently
uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially
from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these loans and securities existed. Our NAV could be adversely affected
if our determinations regarding the fair value of our investments were materially higher or lower than the values that we ultimately
realize upon the disposal of such loans and securities.
**We
are a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and therefore we are not limited with respect to the proportion
of our assets that may be invested in securities of a single issuer.**
We
are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, which means that we are not limited by the
1940 Act with respect to the proportion of our assets that we may invest in securities of a single issuer. We also have not adopted any
policy restricting the percentage of our assets that may be invested in a single portfolio company. To the extent that we assume large
positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, our NAV may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified investment
company as a result of changes in the financial condition or the markets assessment of the issuer. We may also be more susceptible
to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company. Beyond our income tax diversification requirements
under Subchapter M of the Code, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and our investments could be concentrated in relatively
few portfolio companies. (Note our significant investments in our affiliates FlexFIN and NSG see Risks Related to our Investments).
**We
are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates.**
Interest
rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on our investments, the value of our common stock and our rate of return on
invested capital. A reduction in the interest rates on new investments relative to interest rates on current investments could also have
an adverse impact on our net interest income. Further increases in interest rates could decrease the value of any investments we hold
which earn fixed interest rates and also could increase our interest expense, thereby decreasing our net income. Also, an increase in
interest rates available to investors could make investment in our common stock less attractive if we are not able to increase our dividend
rate, which could reduce the value of our common stock.
**Loans
under our Credit Facility and the financial credit we extend to our portfolio companies bear interest based on SOFR, but experience with
SOFR based loans is limited.**
Loans
under our current Credit Facility bear interest at a rate based upon the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York. Also, the secured terms loans that we make to our portfolio companies and the secured notes of our portfolio
companies in which we invest bear interest at SOFR based rates.
SOFR
is considered to be a risk-free rate, and USD LIBOR was a risk weighted rate. Thus, SOFR tends to be a lower rate than USD LIBOR, because
SOFR does not contain a risk component. This difference may negatively impact our net interest margin of our investments. Also, the use
of SOFR based rates is relatively new, and experience with SOFR based rate loans is limited. There could be unanticipated difficulties
or disruptions with the calculation and publication of SOFR based rates. This could result in increased borrowing costs for the Company
or could adversely impact the interest income we receive from our portfolio companies or the market value of the financial obligations
that are due to us from our portfolio companies.
27
**Because
we use debt to finance various investments, changes in interest rates will affect our cost of capital and net investment income.**
Because
we borrow money to make certain investments, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at
which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in
market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income in the event we use our existing debt to finance
our investments. In periods of rising interest rates, such as the current period we are in, our cost of funds will increase to the extent
we access any credit facility with a floating interest rate, which could reduce our net investment income to the extent any debt investments
have fixed interest rates. We expect that our long-term fixed-rate investments will be financed primarily with issuances of equity and
long-term debt securities. We may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations.
Such techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
You
should also be aware that, to the extent we make floating debt investments, a rise in the general level of interest rates typically leads
to higher interest rates applicable to our debt investments.
****
**If
our investments are not managed effectively, we may be unable to achieve our investment objective.**
Our
ability to achieve our investment objective will depend on our ability to manage our business, which will depend on the internalized
management team. Accomplishing this result is largely a function of the internalized management teams ability to provide quality
and efficient services to us. They may also be required to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. These demands on
their time may distract them or slow our rate of investment. Any failure to manage our business effectively could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
**We
may experience fluctuations in our periodic operating results.**
We
could experience fluctuations in our periodic operating results due to a number of factors, including the interest rates payable on the
debt securities we acquire, the default rate on such securities, the performance of our portfolio companies, the level of our expenses
(including the interest rates payable on our borrowings), the dividend rates payable on preferred stock we issue, variations in and the
timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and
general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance
in future periods.
**Any
failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC could reduce our operating flexibility.**
If
we fail to maintain our status as a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act, which would subject
us to substantially more onerous regulatory restrictions under the 1940 Act and correspondingly decrease our operating flexibility.
**We
may have difficulty paying required distributions if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.**
For
U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as original issue
discount, which may arise if we receive warrants in connection with the making of a loan or possibly in other circumstances, such as
PIK interest, which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. Such original issue
discount, which could be significant relative to our overall investment activities, or increases in loan balances as a result of PIK
arrangements are included in income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in income certain
other amounts that we do not receive in cash.
28
Since
in certain cases we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the
tax requirement to distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized
net long-term capital losses, if any, to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC. Accordingly, we may have to sell some of our investments
at times we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investment originations to meet these
distribution requirements. If we are not able to raise cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify and maintain our tax treatment
as a RIC and thus become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax. See Taxation as a RIC and Failure to
Qualify as a RIC.
****
**We
may not be able to pay distributions to our shareholders.**
We
cannot assure that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to pay cash distributions. Our ability to pay distributions
might be adversely affected by, among other things, the impact of one or more of the risk factors described herein. In addition, the
inability to satisfy the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC could limit our ability to pay distributions. As of September
30, 2025, the Companys asset coverage was 207.8% after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Companys asset coverage
is above 200%, the minimum asset coverage requirement applicable to us under the 1940 Act. All distributions will be paid at the discretion
of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our RIC tax treatment, compliance
with applicable BDC regulations, and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure
you that we will pay distributions to our stockholders in the future.
**The
highly competitive market in which we operate may limit our investment opportunities.**
A
number of entities compete with us to make the types of investments that we make. We compete with other BDCs and investment funds (including
public and private funds, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies, SBICs and, to the extent they provide an alternative
form of financing, private equity funds). Additionally, because competition for investment opportunities generally has increased among
alternative investment vehicles, such as hedge funds, those entities have begun to invest in areas in which they have not traditionally
invested. As a result of these new entrants, competition for investment opportunities has intensified in recent years and may intensify
further in the future. Some of our existing and potential competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial,
technical and marketing resources than we do. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources
that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which
could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, many of our competitors
are not subject to the regulatory restrictions and valuation requirements that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a BDC and the tax consequences
of qualifying as a RIC. We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations. Also, as a result of this existing and potentially increasing competition, we may not
be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities from time to time, and we can offer no assurance that we will be able
to identify and make investments that are consistent with our investment objective.
We
do not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates we offer, and we believe that some of our competitors make loans with interest
rates that are comparable to or lower than the rates we offer. We may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors
pricing, terms and structure. If we match our competitors pricing, terms and structure, we may experience decreased net interest
income and increased risk of credit loss. A significant part of our competitive advantage stems from the fact that the market for investments
in mid-sized companies is underserved by traditional commercial banks and other financial institutions. A significant increase in the
number and/or size of our competitors in this target market could force us to accept less attractive investment terms. Furthermore, several
of our competitors have greater experience operating under the regulatory restrictions of the 1940 Act and under an internalized management
structure.
**In
the event we make distributions, we would need additional capital to finance our growth and such capital may not be available on favorable
terms or at all.**
We
have elected and intend to qualify annually to be taxed for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
As a RIC, we must meet certain requirements, including source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements in order
to not have to pay corporate-level U.S. on income we distribute to our stockholders as distributions, which allows us to substantially
reduce or eliminate our corporate-level U.S. federal income tax liability. As a BDC, we are generally required to meet a coverage ratio
of total assets to total senior securities, which includes all of our borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future,
of at least 200% (or 150% if, pursuant to the 1940 Act, certain requirements are met) at the time we issue any debt or preferred stock.
This requirement limits the amount of our leverage. Because we will continue to need capital to grow our investment portfolio, this limitation
may prevent us from incurring debt or issuing preferred stock and require us to raise additional equity at a time when it may be disadvantageous
to do so. We cannot assure you that debt and equity financing will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, and debt financings
may be restricted by the terms of any of our outstanding borrowings. In addition, as a BDC, we are generally not permitted to issue common
stock priced below NAV without stockholder approval. If additional funds are not available to us, we could be forced to curtail or cease
new lending and investment activities, and our NAV could decline.
29
**Our
board of directors may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval.**
Our
board of directors has the authority to modify or waive certain of our operating policies and strategies (including our investment objective)
without prior notice and without stockholder approval. However, absent stockholder approval, we may not change the nature of our business
so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies
and strategies would have on our business, operating results or value of our stock. Nevertheless, the effects could adversely affect
our business and impact our ability to make distributions and cause you to lose all or part of your investment.
**Because
we borrow money, the potential for loss on amounts invested in us will be magnified and may increase the risk of investing in us.**
Borrowings,
also known as leverage, magnify the potential for loss on invested equity capital. If we use leverage to partially finance our investments,
which we have done historically, you will experience increased risks of investing in our securities. We issued the Notes, entered into
the Credit Facility, and may issue other debt securities or enter into other types of borrowing arrangements in the future. If the value
of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause our NAV to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged. Similarly,
any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could
negatively affect our ability to make common stock distributions or scheduled debt payments. Leverage is generally considered a speculative
investment technique and we only intend to use leverage if expected returns will exceed the cost of borrowing.
As
of September 30, 2025, there was $149.2 million of outstanding borrowings. The weighted average interest rate charged on our borrowings
as of September 30, 2025 was 6.5% (exclusive of debt issuance costs). We will need to generate sufficient cash flow to make these required
interest payments. If we are unable to meet the financial obligations under the Notes, the holders thereof will have the right to declare
the principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest on the outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately. If we are unable to
meet the financial obligations under the Credit Facility or any other credit facility we enter into, the lenders thereunder would likely
have a superior claim to our assets over our stockholders.
**We
are dependent on information systems and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect
the market price of our common stock and our ability to pay distributions.**
Our
business is dependent on our and third parties communications and information systems. Any failure or interruption of those systems,
including as a result of the termination of an agreement with any third-party service providers, could cause delays or other problems
in our activities. Our financial, accounting, data processing, backup or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly
or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control and
adversely affect our business. There could be:
| 
| sudden
electrical or telecommunications outages; | 
|
| 
| natural
disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes; | 
|
30
| 
| disease
pandemics (such as the COVID-19 outbreak); | 
|
| 
| events
arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts;
and | 
|
| 
| cyber-attacks. | 
|
These
events, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the market price of our common stock
and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.
**A
failure of cybersecurity systems, as well as the occurrence of events unanticipated in our disaster recovery systems and management continuity
planning could impair our ability to conduct business effectively.**
The
occurrence of a disaster, such as a cyber-attack against us, certain portfolio companies, or against a third-party that has access to
our data or networks, a natural catastrophe, an industrial accident, failure of our disaster recovery systems, or consequential employee
error, could have an adverse effect on our ability to communicate or conduct business (including the business of certain portfolio companies),
negatively impacting our operations and financial condition. This adverse effect can become particularly acute if those events affect
our electronic data processing, transmission, storage, and retrieval systems, or impact the availability, integrity, or confidentiality
of our data.
We
depend heavily upon computer systems to perform necessary business functions. Despite our implementation of a variety of security measures,
our computer systems, networks, and data, like those of other companies, could be subject to cyber-attacks and unauthorized access, use,
alteration, or destruction, such as from physical and electronic break-ins or unauthorized tampering, malware and computer virus attacks,
or system failures and disruptions. If one or more of these events occurs, it could potentially jeopardize the confidential, proprietary,
and other information processed, stored in, and transmitted through our computer systems and networks. Such an attack could cause interruptions
or malfunctions in our operations, which could result in financial losses, litigation, regulatory penalties, client dissatisfaction or
loss, reputational damage, and increased costs associated with mitigation of damages and remediation.
Third
parties with which we do business and certain of our portfolio companies may also be sources of cybersecurity or other technological
risks. We outsource certain functions and these relationships allow for the storage and processing of our information, as well as customer,
counterparty, employee and borrower information. Cybersecurity failures or breaches our service providers (including, but not limited
to, accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), and the issuers of securities in which we invest, also have the ability
to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with our ability to calculate
its net asset value, impediments to trading, the inability of our stockholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy
and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputation damages, reimbursement of other compensation costs, or additional compliance
costs. While we engage in actions to reduce our exposure resulting from outsourcing, ongoing threats may result in unauthorized access,
loss, exposure or destruction of data, or other cybersecurity incidents, with increased costs and other consequences, including those
described above. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future.
Privacy
and information security laws and regulation changes, and compliance with those changes, may result in cost increases due to system changes
and the development of new administrative processes. In addition, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify
our protective measures and to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures arising from operational and security risks.
We currently do not maintain insurance coverage relating to cybersecurity risks, and we may be required to expend significant additional
resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject
to litigation and financial losses that are not fully insured.
**Technological
innovations and industry disruptions, including those related to artificial intelligence and machine learning, may negatively impact
us.**
****
Technological
innovations, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, have disrupted traditional approaches in multiple industries and
can permit companies to achieve success and in the process disrupt markets and market practices. We can provide no assurance that new
businesses and approaches will not be created that would compete with us and/or our portfolio companies or alter the market practices
in which we have been designed to function within and on which we depend on for our investment return. New approaches could damage our
investments, disrupt the market in which we operate and subject us to increased competition, which could materially and adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of investments.****
We
may, subject to internal policies, use artificial intelligence or machine learning in connection with our business activities. The use
of artificial intelligence and machine learning carries with it certain risks, including the risks that inputs include confidential or
personally identifiable information and that outputs contain inaccuracies and errors. The applications of artificial intelligence and
machine learning, including those in the investment and financial sectors, continue to develop rapidly, and it is impossible to predict
all of the future risks that may arise from such developments. We cannot control the use of artificial intelligence or machine learning
in our portfolio companies or third-party products or services and therefore could be exposed to associated risks if our portfolio companies,
third-party service providers or any counterparties use artificial intelligence or machine learning in their business activities.****
31
**Risks
Related to Our Investments**
**We
may not realize gains from our equity investments.**
When
we make a debt investment, we may acquire warrants or other equity securities as well. In addition, we may invest directly in the equity
securities of portfolio companies. Our equity investments may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline significantly in value.
Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any
equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.
**Our
investments are very risky and highly speculative.**
We
have invested materially in senior secured first lien term loans and senior secured second lien term loans issued by private companies.
*Senior
Secured Loans*There is a risk that the collateral securing our loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell
in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions,
including as a result of the inability of the portfolio company to raise additional capital, and, in some circumstances, our lien could
be subordinated to claims of other creditors. In addition, deterioration in a portfolio companys financial condition and prospects,
including its inability to raise additional capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the collateral for the loan.
Consequently, the fact that a loan is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the
loans terms, or at all, or that we will be able to collect on the loan should we be forced to enforce our remedies.
*Equity
Investments*When we invest in senior secured first lien term loans or senior secured second lien term loans, we may receive
warrants or other equity securities as well. In addition, we may invest directly in the equity securities of portfolio companies. The
warrants or equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able
to realize gains from our warrants or equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any warrants or equity
interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.
In
addition, investing in private companies involves a number of significant risks. See Our investments in private portfolio companies
may be risky, and you could lose all or part of your investment below.
**Our
investments in private portfolio companies may be risky, and you could lose all or part of your investment.**
Investments
in private companies involve a number of significant risks. Generally, little public information exists about these companies, and we
are required to rely on the ability of our investment professionals to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns
from investing in these companies. If we are unable to uncover all material information about these companies, we may not make a fully
informed investment decision, and we may lose money on our investments. Private companies may have limited financial resources and may
be unable to meet their obligations under their debt securities that we hold, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value
of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of our realizing any guarantees we may have obtained in connection with our investment.
In addition, they typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses,
which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns.
Additionally, private companies are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore,
the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on our portfolio
company and, in turn, on us. Private companies also generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties
to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence and may require
substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. In addition, our
executive officers and directors may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments
in these types of companies.
We
have invested in secured debt issued by our portfolio companies. In the case of our senior secured first lien term loans, the portfolio
companies usually have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt that ranks equally with the debt securities in which we invest. With
respect to our senior secured second lien term loans, the portfolio companies usually have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt
that ranks above or equally with the debt securities in which we invest. In the case of debt ranking above the senior secured second
lien term loans in which we invest, we would be subordinate to such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization
or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company and therefore the holders of debt instruments ranking senior to our investment in that
portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution. In the case of debt ranking
equally with debt securities in which we invest, we would have to share any distributions on an equal and ratable basis with other creditors
holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.
32
Additionally,
certain loans that we make to portfolio companies may be secured on a second priority basis by the same collateral securing senior secured
debt of such companies. The first priority liens on the collateral will secure the portfolio companys obligations under any outstanding
senior debt and may secure certain other future debt that may be permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under the agreements
governing the loans. The holders of obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral will generally control the liquidation
of, and be entitled to receive proceeds from, any realization of the collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition,
the value of the collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and
other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from the sale or sales of all of the collateral would be sufficient
to satisfy the loan obligations secured by the second priority liens after payment in full of all obligations secured by the first priority
liens on the collateral. If such proceeds are not sufficient to repay amounts outstanding under the loan obligations secured by the second
priority liens, then we, to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the collateral, will only have an unsecured claim
against the portfolio companys remaining assets, if any.
The
rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing the loans we make to our portfolio companies with senior debt outstanding
may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of senior debt.
Under such an intercreditor agreement, at any time that obligations that have the benefit of the first priority liens are outstanding,
any of the following actions that may be taken in respect of the collateral will be at the direction of the holders of the obligations
secured by the first priority liens: (1) the ability to cause the commencement of enforcement proceedings against the collateral; (2)
the ability to control the conduct of such proceedings; (3) the approval of amendments to collateral documents; (4) releases of liens
on the collateral; and (5) waivers of past defaults under collateral documents. We may not have the ability to control or direct such
actions, even if our rights are adversely affected.
**Our
portfolio companies may prepay loans, which prepayment may reduce stated yields if capital returned cannot be invested in transactions
with equal or greater expected yields.**
Our
loans to portfolio companies are prepayable at any time, and most of them at no premium to par. It is uncertain as to when each loan
may be prepaid. Whether a loan is prepaid will depend both on the continued positive performance of the portfolio company and the existence
of favorable financing market conditions that allow such company the ability to replace existing financing with less expensive capital.
As market conditions change frequently, it is unknown when, and if, this may be possible for each portfolio company. In the case of some
of these loans, having the loan prepaid early may reduce the achievable yield for us below the stated yield to maturity contained herein
if the capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater expected yields.
**Our
failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our portfolio and our ability to make follow-on
investments in certain portfolio companies may be restricted.**
Following
an initial investment in a portfolio company, provided that there are no restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, we may make additional
investments in that portfolio company as follow-on investments in order to: (1) increase or maintain in whole or in part
our equity ownership percentage; (2) exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent
financing; or (3) attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our initial investment.
We
have the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources. We may elect not to make follow-on
investments or otherwise lack sufficient funds to make those investments. Our failure to make follow-on investments may, in some circumstances,
jeopardize the continued viability of a portfolio company and our initial investment, or may result in a missed opportunity for us to
increase our participation in a successful operation. Even if we have sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, we may
elect not to make such follow-on investment because we may not want to increase our concentration of risk, because we prefer other opportunities,
because we are inhibited by compliance with BDC requirements or because we might lose our RIC tax treatment. We also may be restricted
from making follow-on investments in certain portfolio companies to the extent that affiliates of ours hold interests in such companies.
33
**As
of September 30, 2025, 15.3% of our total assets were invested in NSG, our insurance business.**
****
This
significant exposure subjects our Company to various risks associated with such business to a much greater extent than companies not
similarly concentrated.
**As
of September 30, 2025, 11.7% of our total assets were invested in FlexFIN, our affiliates asset-based lending business.**
**
This
significant exposure subjects our Company to various risks associated with such business (which are identified below) to a much greater
extent than companies not similarly concentrated.
****
**Client
borrowers, particularly with respect to asset-based lending activities, may lack the operating history, cash flows or balance sheet necessary
to support other financing options and may expose us to additional risk.**
****
A
portion of our loan portfolio consists, through FlexFIN, of asset-based lending involving gemstones. Some of these products arise out
of relationships with clients who lack the operating history, cash flows or balance sheet necessary to qualify for other financing options.
This could increase our risk of loss.
**11.7%
of the Companys total assets (as of September 30, 2025) are invested in our affiliates asset-based lending business and
its activities are influenced by volatility in prices of gemstones and jewelry.**
****
Our
affiliates asset-based lending business is impacted by volatility in gemstone and jewelry prices. Among the factors that can impact
the price of gemstones and jewelry are supply and demand of gemstones; political, economic, and global financial events; movement of
the U.S. dollar versus other currencies; and the activity of large speculators and other participants. A significant decline in market
prices of gemstones could result in reduced collateral value and losses, (i.e., a lower balance of asset-based loans outstanding for
the Companys affiliate.)
**The
gemstones and jewelry business is subject to the risk of fraud and counterfeiting.**
****
The
gemstones business is exposed to the risk of loss as a result of fraud in its various forms. We seek to minimize our exposure to fraud
through a number of means, including third-party authentication and verification and the establishment of procedures designed to detect
fraud. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in preventing or identifying fraud, or in obtaining redress in the
event such fraud is detected.
**We
may be subject to risks associated with our investments in unitranche loans**
****
Unitranche
loans provide leverage levels comparable to a combination of first lien and second lien or subordinated loans, and may rank junior to
other debt instruments issued by the portfolio company. Unitranche loans generally allow the borrower to make a large lump sum payment
of principal at the end of the loan term, and there is a heightened risk of loss if the borrower is unable to pay the lump sum or refinance
the amount owed at maturity. From the perspective of a lender, in addition to making a single loan, a unitranche loan may allow the lender
to choose to participate in the first out tranche, which will generally receive priority with respect to payments of principal,
interest and any other amounts due, or to choose to participate only in the last out tranche, which is generally paid only
after the first out tranche is paid. We may participate in first out and last out tranches of unitranche
loans and make single unitranche loans, and we may suffer losses on such loans if the borrower is unable to make required payments when
due.
****
34
****
**Covenant-Lite
Loans may expose us to different risks, including with respect to liquidity, price volatility, ability to restructure loans, credit risks
and less protective loan documentation, than is the case with loans that contain financial maintenance covenants.**
A
significant number of high yield loans in the market may consist of covenant-lite loans, or Covenant-Lite Loans. A significant
portion of the loans in which we may invest or get exposure to through our investments may be deemed to be Covenant-Lite Loans. Such
loans do not require the borrower to maintain debt service or other financial ratios and do not include terms which allow the lender
to monitor the performance of the borrower and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. Ownership of Covenant-Lite Loans may
expose us to different risks, including with respect to liquidity, price volatility, ability to restructure loans, credit risks and less
protective loan documentation, than is the case with loans that contain financial maintenance covenants.
**As
a BDC, our ability to invest in public companies and foreign companies is limited by the 1940 Act.**
To
maintain our tax treatment as a BDC, we are not permitted to acquire any assets other than qualifying assets specified
in the 1940 Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited
exceptions). Subject to certain exceptions for follow-on investments and distressed companies, an investment in an issuer that has outstanding
securities listed on a national securities exchange may be treated as qualifying assets only if such issuer has a market capitalization
that is less than $250 million at the time of such investment. In addition, we may invest up to 30% of our portfolio in opportunistic
investments which will be intended to diversify or complement the remainder of our portfolio and to enhance our returns to stockholders.
These investments may include private equity investments, securities of public companies that are broadly traded and securities of non-U.S.
companies. We expect that these public companies generally will have debt securities that are non-investment grade.
**Our
investments in foreign securities may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.**
A
portion of our investments may be in securities of foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risks
not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and
social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally
the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed
bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price
volatility.
Although
it is anticipated that most of our investments will be denominated in U.S. dollars, our investments that are denominated in a foreign
currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency may change in relation to the U.S. dollar. Among the factors
that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar
assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation and political developments. We may employ
hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we can offer no assurance that we will, in fact, hedge currency risk or, that if we do,
such strategies will be effective. As a result, a change in currency exchange rates may adversely affect our profitability.
**Hedging
transactions may expose us to additional risks.**
We
may engage in currency or interest rate hedging transactions. If we engage in hedging transactions, we may expose ourselves to risks
associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps,
collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange
rates and market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility
of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can
establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio
positions. Such hedging transaction may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should
increase. Moreover, it may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated
that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price.
While
we may enter into transactions to seek to reduce currency exchange rate and interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in currency exchange
rates or interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions.
In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the
portfolio positions being hedged may vary. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek or be able to establish a perfect correlation
between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving
the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations
affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as
a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations.
35
**The
disposition of our investments may result in contingent liabilities.**
We
currently expect that a significant portion of our investments will involve lending directly to private companies. In connection with
the disposition of an investment in private securities, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs
of the portfolio company typical of those made in connection with the sale of a business. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers
of such investment to the extent that any such representations turn out to be inaccurate or with respect to certain potential liabilities.
These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities that ultimately yield funding obligations that must be satisfied through our
return of certain distributions previously made to us.
**If
we invest in the securities and obligations of distressed and bankrupt issuers, we might not receive interest or other payments.**
We
may invest in the securities and obligations of distressed and bankrupt issuers, including debt obligations that are in covenant or payment
default. Such investments generally are considered speculative. The repayment of defaulted obligations is subject to significant uncertainties.
Defaulted obligations might be repaid only after lengthy workout or bankruptcy proceedings, during which the issuer of those obligations
might not make any interest or other payments. We may not realize gains from our equity investments.
**We
are subject to risks associated with significant investments in one or more economic sectors and/or industries, including the business
services sector, which includes our investment in our affiliates asset-based lending business.**
At
times, the Company may have a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business within one or
more economic sectors and/or industries, including the Services: Business sector, which includes our investment in an asset-based lending
business and the insurance sector. Companies in the same sector or industry may be similarly affected by economic, regulatory, political
or market events or conditions, which may make the Company more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that sector or industry than
companies that invest more broadly. Generally, the more broadly the Company invests, the more it spreads risk and potentially reduces
the risks of loss and volatility.
As
of September 30, 2025, investments in our affiliates asset-based lending business constituted 11.7% of our total assets. See above,
under Item 1A for risk factors related to our investment in that business.
**Risks
Related to Our Operations as a BDC and a RIC**
**Regulations
governing our operation as a BDC may limit our ability to, and the way in which we raise additional capital, which could have a material
adverse impact on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.**
Our
business requires a substantial amount of capital to operate and grow. We may acquire additional capital from the issuance of senior
securities (including debt and preferred stock), the issuance of additional shares of our common stock or from securitization transactions.
However, we may not be able to raise additional capital in the future on favorable terms or at all. Additionally, we may only issue senior
securities up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act permits us to issue senior securities only in amounts such
that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% (or 150% if, pursuant to the 1940 Act, certain requirements
are met) after such issuance or incurrence. If our assets decline in value and we fail to satisfy this test, we may be required to liquidate
a portion of our investments and repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales or repayment may be disadvantageous, which
could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. As of September 30, 2025, the Companys
asset coverage was 207.8% after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Companys asset coverage is above 200%, the minimum
asset coverage requirement applicable to us under the 1940 Act.
36
**Changes
in the laws or regulations governing our business, or changes in the interpretations thereof, and any failure by us to comply with these
laws or regulations, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.**
Changes
in the laws or regulations or the interpretations of the laws and regulations that govern BDCs, RICs or non-depository commercial lenders
could significantly affect our operations and our cost of doing business. We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations
and are subject to judicial and administrative decisions that affect our operations, including our loan originations, maximum interest
rates, fees and other charges, disclosures to portfolio companies, the terms of secured transactions, collection and foreclosure procedures
and other trade practices. If these laws, regulations or decisions change, or if we expand our business into jurisdictions that have
adopted more stringent requirements than those in which we currently conduct business, we may have to incur significant expenses in order
to comply, or we might have to restrict our operations. In addition, if we do not comply with applicable laws, regulations and decisions,
we may lose licenses needed for the conduct of our business and may be subject to civil fines and criminal penalties.
**As
an internally managed BDC, we are subject to certain restrictions that may adversely affect our ability to offer certain compensation
structures.**
As
an internally managed BDC, our ability to offer more competitive and flexible compensation structures, such as offering both a profit-sharing
plan and an equity incentive plan, is subject to the limitations imposed by the 1940 Act, which limits our ability to attract and retain
talented investment management professionals. As such, these limitations could inhibit our ability to grow, pursue our business plan
and attract and retain professional talent, any or all of which may have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
****
**As
an internally managed BDC, we are dependent upon our management team and investment professionals for their time availability and for
our future success, and if we are not able to hire and retain qualified personnel, or if we lose key members of our senior management
team, our ability to implement our business strategy could be significantly harmed.**
****
As
an internally managed BDC, our ability to achieve our investment objectives and to make distributions to our stockholders depends upon
the performance of our management team and investment professionals. We depend upon the members of our management and our investment
professionals for the identification, final selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of our investments. These employees have critical
industry experience and relationships on which we rely to implement our business plan. If we lose the services of key members of our
senior management team, we may not be able to operate the business as we expect, and our ability to compete could be harmed, which could
cause our operating results to suffer. We believe our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to identify, attract and retain
sufficient numbers of highly skilled employees. If we do not succeed in identifying, attracting and retaining such personnel, we may
not be able to operate our business as we expect. As an internally managed BDC, our compensation structure is determined and set by our
Board of Directors and its Compensation Committee. This structure currently includes salary, bonus and incentive compensation. We are
subject to limitations by the 1940 Act on our ability to employ an incentive compensation structure that directly ties performance of
our investment portfolio and results of operations to incentive compensation. Members of our senior management team may receive offers
of more flexible and attractive compensation arrangements from other companies, particularly from investment advisers to externally managed
BDCs that are not subject to the same limitations on incentive-based compensation that we are subject to as an internally managed BDC.
A departure by one or more members of our senior management team could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
**We
cannot predict how tax reform legislation will affect us, our investments, or our stockholders, and any such legislation could adversely
affect our business.**
Legislative
or other actions relating to taxes could have a negative effect on us, our investments, or our stockholders. The rules dealing with U.S.
federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Department
of the Treasury. We cannot predict with certainty how any changes in the tax laws might affect us, our stockholders, or our portfolio
investments. New legislation and any U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions interpreting such legislation
could significantly and negatively affect our ability to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC or the U.S. federal income tax consequences
to us and our stockholders of such qualification, or could have other adverse consequences. Stockholders are urged to consult with their
tax advisors regarding tax legislative, regulatory, or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment
in our securities.
37
**Legislation
that became effective in 2018 may allow the Company to incur additional leverage, which could increase the risk of investing in the Company.**
The
1940 Act generally prohibits the Company from incurring indebtedness unless immediately after such borrowing we have an asset coverage
for total borrowings of at least 200% (i.e., the amount of debt may not exceed 50% of the value of our assets). However, in March 2018,
the SBCA was signed into law, which included various changes to regulations under the federal securities laws that impact BDCs. The SBCA
included changes to the 1940 Act to allow BDCs to decrease their asset coverage requirement from 200% to 150%, if certain requirements
are met. Under the 1940 Act, the Company is allowed to increase its leverage capacity if our stockholders representing at least a majority
of the votes cast, when a quorum is present, approve a proposal to do so. If we receive stockholder approval, we would be allowed to
increase our leverage capacity on the first day after such approval. Alternatively, the 1940 Acts allows the majority of our independent
directors to approve an increase in our leverage capacity, and such approval would become effective after the one-year anniversary of
such proposal. In either case, we would be required to make certain disclosures on our website and in SEC filings regarding, among other
things, the receipt of approval to increase our leverage, our leverage capacity and usage, and risks related to leverage.
Leverage
is generally considered a speculative investment technique and increases the risk of investing in our securities. Leverage magnifies
the potential for loss on investments in our indebtedness and on invested equity capital. As we use leverage to partially finance our
investments, our stockholders will experience increased risks of investing in our securities. If the value of our assets increases, then
leveraging would cause the NAV attributable to our common stock to increase more sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. Conversely,
if the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause NAV to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged
our business. Similarly, any increase in our income in excess of interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause our net investment
income to increase more than it would without the leverage, while any decrease in our income would cause net investment income to decline
more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could negatively affect the Companys ability to pay common
stock dividends, scheduled debt payments or other payments related to our securities.
**If
we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could fail to qualify as a BDC, which would have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.**
As
a BDC, we may not acquire any assets other than qualifying assets unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such
acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets. See Regulation. Our intent is that a substantial portion
of the investments that we acquire will constitute qualifying assets. However, we may be precluded from investing in what we believe
are attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 1940 Act. If we do not invest a sufficient
portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could be found to be in violation of the 1940 Act provisions applicable to BDCs and possibly
lose our tax treatment as a BDC, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
**We
would become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax if we are unable to maintain our qualification as a RIC under Subchapter
M of the Code or satisfy RIC distribution requirements.**
We
have elected, and intend to qualify annually, to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. No assurance can be given that we
will be able to maintain our qualification as a RIC. To maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet the following annual
distribution, income source and asset diversification requirements.
| 
| 
| 
The annual distribution
requirement for a RIC is satisfied if we timely distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis at least 90% of our net ordinary
income and realized short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses. Depending on the level of taxable
income earned in a tax year, we may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year distributions into the next
year and pay a 4% U.S. federal excise tax on such income. Any such carryover taxable income must be distributed through a dividend
declared prior to filing the final tax return related to the year that generated such taxable income. | |
| 
| 
| 
The source of income requirement
is satisfied if we obtain at least 90% of our gross income for each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect
to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or other securities or foreign currencies or other
income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from an interest
in a qualified publicly traded partnership (as defined in the Code). | |
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| 
| 
The
asset diversification requirement is satisfied if we meet certain asset diversification requirements
at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. To satisfy this requirement, at least 50% of the
value of our assets must consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities, securities
of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more
than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer
(which for these purposes includes the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership).
In addition, no more than 25% of the value of our assets can be invested in the securities, other
than U.S. Government securities or securities of other RICs, (1) of one issuer (2) of two or more
issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable tax rules, by us and that are engaged
in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or (3) of one or more qualified publicly
traded partnerships. | |
If
we fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment for any reason or are subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax, the resulting corporate-level
taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions.
In addition, to the extent we had unrealized gains, we would have to establish deferred tax liabilities for taxes, which would reduce
our NAV accordingly. In addition, our stockholders would lose the tax credit realized if we, as a RIC, decide to retain the net realized
capital gain and make deemed distributions of net realized capital gains, and pay taxes on behalf of our stockholders at the end of the
tax year. The loss of this pass-through tax treatment could have a material adverse effect on the total return of an investment in our
common stock.
38
****
**Risks
Relating to an Investment in Our Securities**
**Investing
in our securities may involve an above average degree of risk.**
The
investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk than alternative investment options
and a higher risk of volatility or loss of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies involve higher levels of risk and, therefore,
an investment in our securities may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.
**Shares
of closed-end investment companies, including business development companies, may, at times, trade at a discount to their NAV and the
Companys shares have not traded at or above NAV since the first quarter of 2015.**
Shares
of closed-end investment companies, including business development companies, may, at times, trade at a discount from NAV. This characteristic
of closed-end investment companies and business development companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV per share may
decline. Our common stock has not traded at or above NAV since the first quarter of 2015, and we cannot predict whether our common stock
will trade at, above or below NAV in the future.
**The
market price of our common stock fluctuates.**
The
market price and liquidity of the market for shares of our common stock fluctuates and may be significantly affected by numerous factors,
some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance.
These factors
include:
| 
| 
| 
significant volatility
in the market price and trading volume of securities of business development companies or other companies in our sector, which are
not necessarily related to the operating performance of the companies; | |
| 
| 
| 
changes in regulatory policies,
accounting pronouncements or tax guidelines, particularly with respect to BDCs or RICs; | |
| 
| 
| 
loss of our qualification
as a RIC or BDC; | |
| 
| 
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changes in earnings or variations in operating results; | |
| 
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changes in the value of our portfolio of investments; | |
| 
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changes in accounting guidelines governing valuation
of our investments; | |
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| 
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any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase
in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts; | |
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departure of our key personnel; | |
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operating performance of
companies comparable to us; | |
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general economic trends
and other external factors; and | |
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loss of a major funding
source. | |
39
****
**Certain
provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and
have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.**
The
Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging
a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us. These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change in control in circumstances
that could give the holders of our common stock the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price of our common stock.
**The
NAV per share of our common stock may be diluted if we sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then
current NAV per share of our common stock or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock.**
While
we currently do not have the requisite stockholder approval to sell shares of our common stock at a price or prices below our then current
NAV per share, we may seek such approval in the future. In addition, at our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, we received approval
from our stockholders to authorize the Company, with the approval of our board of directors, to issue securities to, subscribe to, convert
to, or purchase shares of the Companys common stock in one or more offerings, subject to certain conditions as set forth in the
proxy statement. Such authorization has no expiration.
Any
decision to sell shares of our common stock below its then current NAV per share or issue securities to subscribe for or convertible
into shares of our common stock would be subject to the determination by our board of directors that such issuance is in our and our
stockholders best interests.
If
we were to sell shares of our common stock below its then current NAV per share, such sales would result in an immediate dilution to
the NAV per share of our common stock. This dilution would occur as a result of the sale of shares at a price below the then current
NAV per share of our common stock and a proportionately greater decrease in the stockholders interest in our earnings and assets
and their voting interest in us than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance. Because the number of shares of common
stock that could be so issued and the timing of any issuance is not currently known, the actual dilutive effect cannot be predicted.
If
we issue warrants or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock, subject to certain limitations, the
exercise or conversion price per share could be less than NAV per share at the time of exercise or conversion (including through the
operation of anti-dilution protections). Because we would incur expenses in connection with any issuance of such securities, such issuance
could result in a dilution of the NAV per share at the time of exercise or conversion. This dilution would include reduction in NAV per
share as a result of the proportionately greater decrease in the stockholders interest in our earnings and assets and their voting
interest than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance.
Further,
if our current stockholders do not purchase any shares to maintain their percentage interest, regardless of whether such offering is
above or below the then current NAV per share, their voting power will be diluted. For example, if we sell an additional 10% of our shares
of common stock at a 5% discount from NAV, a stockholder who does not participate in that offering for its proportionate interest will
suffer NAV dilution of up to 0.5% or $5 per $1,000 of NAV.
**The
terms of the Credit Facility place restrictions on our and/or our subsidiaries activities.**
The
terms of the Credit Facility place restrictions on our and/or our subsidiaries ability to, among other things, issue securities
or otherwise incur additional indebtedness or other obligations, and in certain cases we may need the approval of BankUnited, as the
Administrative Agent, in order to incur further indebtedness. In addition, the Credit Facility contains customary events of default for
credit facilities of this type, including (without limitation): nonpayment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts after a stated
grace period; inaccuracy of material representations and warranties; change of control; violations of covenants, subject in certain cases
to stated cure periods; and certain bankruptcies and liquidations. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Company may be
required to repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility, which would adversely affect our liquidity position and, in turn,
could force us to dispose of investments at inopportune times at reduced prices. Repayment could also adversely affect our ability to
implement our investment strategy and achieve our investment objectives.
****
40
****
**If
we issue preferred stock, the NAV and market value of our common stock may become more volatile.**
If
we issue preferred stock, we cannot assure you that such issuance would result in a higher yield or return to the holders of our common
stock. The issuance of preferred stock would likely cause the NAV and market value of our common stock to become more volatile. If the
dividend rate on the preferred stock were to approach the net rate of return on our investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to
the holders of our common stock would be reduced. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock were to exceed the net rate of return on
our portfolio, the leverage would result in a lower rate of return to the holders of our common stock than if we had not issued preferred
stock. Any decline in the NAV of our investments would be borne entirely by the holders of our common stock. Therefore, if the market
value of our portfolio were to decline, the leverage would result in a greater decrease in NAV to the holders of our common stock than
if we were not leveraged through the issuance of preferred stock. This greater NAV decrease would also tend to cause a greater decline
in the market price for our common stock. We might be in danger of failing to maintain the required asset coverage of the preferred stock
or of losing our ratings on the preferred stock or, in an extreme case, our current investment income might not be sufficient to meet
the dividend requirements on the preferred stock. In order to counteract such an event, we might need to liquidate investments in order
to fund a redemption of some or all of the preferred stock. In addition, we would pay (and the holders of our common stock would bear)
all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of the preferred stock, including higher advisory fees if our
total return exceeds the dividend rate on the preferred stock. Holders of preferred stock may have different interests than holders of
our common stock and may at times have disproportionate influence over our affairs.
**Holders
of any preferred stock we might issue would have the right to elect members of the board of directors and class voting rights on certain
matters.**
Holders
of any preferred stock we might issue, voting separately as a single class, would have the right to elect two members of the board of
directors at all times and in the event dividends become two full years in arrears, would have the right to elect a majority of our directors
until such arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition, preferred stockholders would have class voting rights on certain matters,
including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion to open-end status, and accordingly would be able to veto any
such changes. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of our common stock
and preferred stock, both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies or the terms of any credit facility to which
the Company is a party, might impair our ability to maintain our qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While we
would intend to redeem our preferred stock to the extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to maintain our
qualification as a RIC, there can be no assurance that such actions could be effected in time to meet the tax requirements.
**Our
business and operations could be negatively affected if we become subject to any securities class actions and derivative lawsuits, which
could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of investment strategy and impact our stock price.**
****
In
the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a companys securities, securities class-action litigation has
often been brought against that company. Stockholder activism, which could take many forms or arise in a variety of situations, has been
increasing in the BDC space recently. Securities litigation and stockholder activism, including potential proxy contests, could result
in substantial costs and divert managements and our board of directors attention and resources from our business. Additionally,
such securities litigation and stockholder activism could give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our
relationships with service providers and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. Also, we may be required to
incur significant legal fees and other expenses related to any securities litigation and activist stockholder matters. Further, our stock
price could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the events, risks and uncertainties of any securities
litigation and stockholder activism.
41
****
**Risks
of the Insurance Business**
****
**As
of September, 2025, 15.3% of our total assets were invested in NSG, our insurance business, which subjects the Company to various additional
special risks.**
****
**Risks
Related to Life Insurance**
**Actual
claims and benefits payments may differ from actuarial assumptions and may adversely affect NSGs financial results, capitalization
and financial condition.**
Due
to the nature of the underlying risks and the uncertainty associated with the determination of liabilities for future policy benefits
and claims, NSG cannot precisely determine the amounts which it will ultimately pay to settle these liabilities. Because of the inability
to determine with precision the amounts required to settle future policy benefits and claims, NSG must rely on actuarial assumptions.
Liabilities for future policy benefits and claims are established based on actuarial estimates of how much NSG will need to pay for future
benefits and claims. NSGs earnings significantly depend upon the extent to which its actual claims experience and benefit payments
on its products are consistent with such assumptions.
**NSG
makes assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, including with respect to guaranteed options, but those assumptions may be incorrect.**
NSG
makes assumptions regarding policyholder behavior at the time of pricing, including regarding the selection and utilization of the guaranteed
options inherent within certain of its products. A material increase in the valuation of liabilities for future benefit payments could
result to the extent that emerging and actual experience deviates from policyholder option utilization assumptions. These assumptions
are based in part on expected persistency of the products, which change the probability that a policy or contract will remain in force
from one period to the next. Persistency could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including adverse economic conditions, as
well as by developments affecting policyholder perception of NSG and perceptions arising from any potential adverse publicity or negative
rating agency actions.
**If
NSGs actual claims experience differs from the assumptions used to establish reserves for its liabilities, NSG may be required
to increase its reserves.**
NSG
evaluates its liabilities regularly based on accounting requirements (which change from time to time), the assumptions and models used
to establish the liabilities, as well as actual experience. For example, amounts actually paid may vary materially from the estimated
amounts, particularly when those payments may not occur until well into the future. To the extent that actual claims and benefits experience
differs from the underlying assumptions used in establishing such liabilities, NSG could be required to increase its reserves for liabilities.
An increase in reserves required for any of the above reasons, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect
on NSGs financial condition and results of operations and its profitability measures, as well as materially impact its capitalization,
statutory free cash flow and liquidity. This could impact NSGs risk-based capital ratios and its financial strength ratings, which
are necessary to support its product sales, and, in certain circumstances, ultimately impact its solvency. See also NSGs
actual claims losses may exceed reserves for claims and it may be required to establish additional reserves, which in turn may adversely
impact its results of operations and financial condition below.
**Pricing
accuracy depends on accurate morbidity and mortality estimates, but the data on which such estimates are based may be insufficient, incorrect
or incomplete.**
In
order to price products accurately, NSG must develop and apply appropriate morbidity and mortality estimates, closely monitor and timely
recognize changes in trends, and project both severity and frequency of losses with reasonable accuracy to cover these risks. Pricing
adequacy is necessary to generate sufficient premiums to cover NSGs cost of sales, costs of operations (including payment of policy
benefits) and to earn a profit. Pricing adequacy is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: availability
of sufficient reliable data; incorrect or incomplete analysis of available data; uncertainties inherent in estimates and assumptions;
selection and application of appropriate rating formulae or other pricing methodologies; adoption of successful pricing strategies; prediction
of policyholder life expectancy and retention; unforeseen or unanticipated events, legislation, regulatory action or court decisions;
and unexpected changes in interests rates or inflation. Such risks may result in NSGs pricing being based on outdated, inadequate,
or inaccurate data, or inappropriate analyses, assumptions, or methodologies, and may cause NSG to estimate incorrectly future changes
in the frequency or severity of claims. As a result, NSG could underprice risks, which would negatively affect NSGs margins, or
it could overprice risks, which could reduce NSGs volume and competitiveness.
42
**Public
health crises, extreme mortality events or similar occurrences may adversely impact NSGs business, financial condition, or results
of operations.**
NSGs
life insurance operations are exposed to the risk of catastrophic mortality, such as a pandemic or other event that causes a large number
of deaths, and the likelihood, timing and severity of such events cannot be predicted. Economic uncertainty resulting from a public health
crisis or similar event could impact sales of certain of NSGs products, and NSG may decide or otherwise be required to provide
relief to customers adversely affected by such an event. In addition, the impact of climate change could cause changes in the frequency
or severity of outbreaks of certain diseases. Circumstances resulting from a public health crisis or similar event could affect the incidence
of claims, utilization of benefits, lapses or surrenders of policies and payments on insurance premiums, any of which could impact the
revenues and expenses associated with NSGs products. NSG cannot be certain that the liabilities it has established for claims
arising from a catastrophe will be adequate to cover actual claim liabilities. Conversely, improvements in medical care and other developments
which positively affect life expectancy can cause NSGs assumptions with respect to longevity, which it uses when it prices its
products, to become incorrect and, accordingly, can adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.
**Liquidity
may be adversely affected by policyholder withdrawals and surrenders or if holders of whole life policies elect to receive lump sum distributions
at greater-than-anticipated levels.**
NSGs
insurance business is exposed to the risk of unanticipated or extraordinary early policyholder withdrawals or surrenders. Early withdrawal
and surrender levels may differ from anticipated levels for a variety of reasons, including changes in economic conditions, changes in
policyholder behavior or financial needs or increases in surrenders among policies that are no longer subject to surrender charges. In
addition, NSG faces potential liquidity risks if policyholders with mature policies elect to receive lump sum distributions at greater
levels than anticipated. If NSG experiences unanticipated early withdrawal or surrender activity or greater than expected lump sum distributions
of endowment maturities and lacks sufficient cash flow from its insurance operations to support payment of these benefits, NSG may have
to sell its investments in order to meet cash needs or be forced to obtain third-party financing. The availability of such financing
will depend on a variety of factors, such as market conditions, the availability of credit in general or more specifically in the insurance
industry, the strength or weakness of the capital markets, NSGs credit capacity, and the perception of NSGs long- or short-term
financial prospects. If NSG is forced to sell its investments on unfavorable terms or obtain financing with unfavorable terms, it could
have an adverse effect on NSGs liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
Changes
in surrender activity may also result in remeasurement gains or losses which could increase volatility in NSGs results of operations.
**Risks
Related to Property & Casualty Insurance**
**If
NSG is unable to accurately assess its underwriting risk, its financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.**
NSGs
underwriting success depends on its ability to accurately assess the risks associated with the business it writes and retains. NSG relies
on the experience of its underwriting staff in assessing those risks, and on information provided by insureds or their representatives
when underwriting insurance policies. While NSG may make inquiries to validate or supplement the information provided, it may make underwriting
decisions based on incorrect or incomplete information. A misunderstanding of the nature or extent of the risks may cause NSG to fail
to establish appropriate premium rates which could adversely affect its financial results.
43
**The
usefulness of models as a tool to evaluate risk is subject to a high degree of uncertainty which could result in actual losses that are
materially different from NSGs estimates and could have a significant adverse impact on NSGs financial results.**
NSGs
approach to risk management relies on subjective variables that entail significant uncertainties, and small changes in assumptions which
depend heavily on judgment and foresight can have a significant impact on the modeled outputs. For example, NSG relies on catastrophe
modeling results in its decision-making regarding the upper limits of its catastrophe reinsurance protection. These models simulate loss
estimates based on a set of assumptions that impact loss potential, and may not produce accurate predictions. Models used to assess risk
are subject to a high degree of uncertainty. These uncertainties can include, among other things, that they may not address all possible
hazards, may not reflect the true frequency of events, may not accurately reflect a risks vulnerability or susceptibility to damage
for a given event, may not accurately represent loss potential to insurance or reinsurance contract coverage limits and other contract
terms and may not accurately reflect judicial, political or regulatory impacts.
**NSGs
losses and loss expense reserves may be inadequate to cover its actual losses, which could have a material adverse effect on its financial
conditions, results of operations and cash flows.**
NSG
maintains losses and loss expense reserves based on its estimate of the ultimate payment of all claims that have been or could be incurred
in the future, and the related costs of adjusting those claims. However, reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability,
but rather an estimate of what NSG expects settlement and administration claims will cost, and its actual liability may be greater or
less than the estimate.
These
variables are affected by both internal and external events that could increase NSGs exposure to losses and there is no precise
method for evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of loss reserves. Uncertainties may result from factors including,
but not limited to, the emergence of new information after there has been time to appreciate the full extent of covered losses; new theories
of liability that are enforced retroactively by courts; increases in the number and severity of claims; increases in costs (such as medical,
legal or supply chain costs) to remedy covered losses; and the risk of unanticipated assessments from state underwriting associations
or windstorm pools related to losses in excess of the associations or pools ability to pay.
**Unexpected
changes in the interpretation of NSGs coverage or provisions, including loss limitations and exclusions, in its policies could
have a material adverse effect on NSGs financial condition and results of operations.**
There
can be no assurances that loss limitations or exclusions in NSGs policies will be enforceable in the manner intended. As industry
practices as well as legal, judicial, social, and other conditions change, unexpected and unintended issues related to claims and coverage
may emerge. While these limitations and exclusions help NSG to assess and mitigate its loss exposure, it is possible that a court or
regulatory authority could nullify or void a limitation or exclusion, or that legislation could be enacted modifying or barring the use
of such limitations or exclusions. In addition, court decisions could read policy exclusions narrowly so as to expand coverage. This
could adversely affect NSGs business by broadening coverage beyond its underwriting intent or by increasing the frequency or severity
of claims, and could result in higher than anticipated losses. In some instances, these changes may not become apparent until after insurance
contracts are issued, and the full extent of liability under such contracts may not be known for many years after a contract is issued.
**NSGs
failure to accurately and timely pay claims could materially and adversely affect its business.**
Many
factors could affect NSGs ability to accurately and timely pay claims, including the training and experience of its claims representatives,
the effectiveness of management, and its ability to develop or select and implement appropriate procedures and systems to support its
claims functions, among other factors. NSGs failure to accurately and timely pay claims could lead to regulatory action or litigation,
undermine its reputation, and adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
44
**The
property and casualty insurance business is historically cyclical in nature, which may affect NSGs financial performance, cause
its operating results to vary from quarter to quarter and may not be indicative of future performance.**
The
supply of property and casualty insurance is related to prevailing prices, the level of insured losses and the level of capital available
to the industry that, in turn, may fluctuate in response to changes in rates of return on investments being earned in the insurance industry.
As a result, the property and casualty insurance business historically has been a cyclical industry characterized by periods of intense
price competition due to excessive underwriting capacity as well as periods when shortages of capacity increased premium levels. In addition,
demand for property and casualty insurance depends on numerous factors, including the frequency and severity of catastrophic events,
levels of capacity, the introduction of new capital providers and general economic conditions. All of these factors fluctuate and may
contribute to price declines in the insurance industry generally. As a result, NSGs operating results are subject to fluctuation.
If
actual renewals do not meet expectations or if NSG chooses not to write renewals because of pricing conditions, its written premium in
future years and its future operations would be materially adversely affected.
****
**Risks
Related to the Insurance Business Generally**
**Competition
for business in the insurance industry is intense.**
NSG
faces competition from specialty insurance companies, standard insurance companies and underwriting agencies. Competition among insurance
companies is based on a number of factors, including reputation, name recognition, credit ratings, financial strength ratings, relationships
with distribution partners, terms and conditions of products offered, and speed of claims payment. In recent years, the insurance industry
has undergone increasing consolidation, which may further increase competition. In addition, some of NSGs competitors are larger
and have greater financial, marketing, and other resources than NSG has, and are able to absorb large losses more easily. NSGs
competitors may also offer more competitive pricing, a broader range of products and have greater claims-paying ability. NSG may not
be able to continue to compete successfully in the insurance markets. Increased competition in these markets could result in a change
in the supply and demand for insurance, affect NSGs ability to price its products at risk-adequate levels, and lead to reduced
profitability or loss of market share.
**Because
NSGs business depends on insurance retail agents and brokers, NSG is exposed to certain risks arising out of its reliance on these
distribution channels.**
NSGs
products are distributed through independent retail agents and brokers. Retail agents and brokers generally own the renewal rights, making
NSGs business model dependent on its relationships with, and the success of, the retail agents and brokers with whom it does business.
NSG relies on a core number of brokers that account for a substantial number of policies, and its relationships with its brokers and
retail agents may be discontinued at any time. If one or more such distributors were to terminate its relationship with NSG or reduce
the amount of sales it produces, NSGs results of operations could be adversely affected. Even if the relationships do continue,
they may not be on terms that are profitable for NSG. A deterioration in the relationships with distributors or failure to provide competitive
compensation could lead these distributors to place more premium with other carriers and less premium with NSG. Also, NSGs distributors
may in any event choose to concentrate their efforts in selling their firms own products or other competitors products
instead of NSGs products.
NSG
could also be adversely affected by consolidation in its distribution sales channels. Consolidation could result in loss of market access.
NSG could also be negatively affected due to loss of talent as the people most knowledgeable about NSGs products and with whom
NSG has developed strong working relationships exit the business following an acquisition, or, increases in its commission costs as larger
distributors acquire more negotiating leverage over their fees.
Certain
premiums from policyholders, where the business is produced by brokers, are collected directly by the brokers and remitted to NSG, and
NSG could be adversely affected if the brokers collect premiums but do not remit them to NSG. Despite the premiums not being paid to
NSG, NSG may be required under applicable law to provide the coverage set forth in the policy. Consequently, NSG assumes a degree of
credit risk associated with the brokers with which it works. Similarly, if NSG is limited in its ability to cancel policies for non-payment,
its underwriting profits may decline and its financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
45
**Insurance
companies are subject to extensive regulation, which varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may change from time to time.**
NSG
is subject to extensive regulation which may adversely affect its ability to achieve its business objectives, and noncompliance with
these regulations could subject NSG to penalties, including fines and suspensions, which may adversely affect its financial condition
and results of operations. Applicable laws and rules are subject to change by legislation or administrative or judicial interpretation,
and changes in regulation could limit NSGs discretion or make it more expensive to conduct business.
In
addition, state insurance regulators have broad discretion to deny or revoke licenses for various reasons, including the violation of
regulations. In some instances, where there is uncertainty as to applicability, NSG follows practices based on its interpretations of
regulations or practices that it believes generally to be followed by the industry which may turn out to be different from the interpretations
of regulatory authorities. If NSG does not have the requisite licenses and approvals or does not comply with applicable regulatory requirements,
state insurance regulators could preclude or temporarily suspend it from carrying on some or all of its activities in their state or
could otherwise penalize NSG. This could adversely affect NSGs ability to operate its business. Further, changes in the level
of regulation of the insurance industry or changes in laws or regulations themselves or interpretations by regulatory authorities could
interfere with NSGs operations and require it to bear additional costs of compliance, which could adversely affect its ability
to operate its business.
Also,
because its products are sold through independent agents, NSG has less control over how products are sold, including with respect to
legal compliance. While NSG expects its agents to comply with their contractual obligations and applicable law, NSG has limited control
over how such agents conduct their business. If violations are attributed to NSG, NSG could incur significant fines, and if attributed
to its agents, may cause the agents to stop selling NSGs products.
**NSG
may be unable to purchase reinsurance in amounts desired on acceptable terms, and reinsurers may default or fail to perform.**
NSG
purchases reinsurance from third parties to limit its risk on individual policies, and in the case of property insurance, limit its risk
in the event of a catastrophe in various geographic areas (including, without limitation, the risk of hurricanes and tornado activity
in the states in which it operates). If NSG is unable to renew expiring reinsurance contracts or enter into new reinsurance arrangements
on acceptable terms, NSGs loss exposure could increase, which would increase potential losses related to such loss events. If
NSG is unwilling to bear an increase in loss exposure, it may need to reduce the level of its underwriting commitments which could materially
adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, reinsurers may exclude certain coverages from,
or alter terms in, the reinsurance contracts NSG enters into with them. NSG, like other insurance companies, could write insurance policies
which to some extent do not have the benefit of reinsurance protection, but these gaps in reinsurance protection expose NSG to greater
risk and greater potential losses.
Although
reinsurance makes the reinsurer liable to NSG to the extent the risk is transferred or ceded to the reinsurer, it does not relieve NSG
(the ceding insurer) of its primary liability to policyholders. Reinsurers may not pay claims NSG incurs on a timely basis, or they may
not pay some or all of these claims. Any disputes with reinsurers regarding coverage under reinsurance contracts could be time consuming,
costly, and uncertain of success. In addition, NSGs reinsurance may be concentrated among a few reinsurance carriers, meaning
that if one or more of these reinsurers do not renew, default on payment of claims, or become insolvent, NSG could incur increased net
losses and its financial condition could be adversely affected.
**A downgrade
or potential downgrade in NSGs financial strength rating could adversely affect its business.**
Participants
in the insurance industry use ratings from independent ratings agencies as an important means of assessing the financial strength and
quality of insurers. Downgrades in NSGs financial strength rating could cause NSGs partners to choose more highly rated
competitors; increase the cost or reduce the availability of reinsurance; limit or prevent the ability to write or renew insurance contracts;
limit access to capital markets; increase costs of capital; reduce new sales of insurance products; increase regulatory scrutiny; provide
termination rights to reinsurers; require reduced pricing to remain competitive; and increase the number or amount of policy surrenders
and withdrawals by contract holders and policyholders, among other consequences.
46
**Performance
of NSGs investment portfolio is subject to a variety of investment risks that could adversely affect its financial results.**
NSGs
results of operations depend, in part, on the performance of its investment portfolio, and its investments are subject to general economic
conditions and market risks as well as risks inherent to specific securities. NSGs primary market risk exposures are to changes
in interest rates and equity prices. Should interest rates decline, a low interest rate environment would place pressure on NSGs
net investment income. Increases in interest rates could cause the values of NSGs fixed income securities portfolios to decline,
with the magnitude of the decline depending on the duration of securities included in its portfolio and the amount by which interest
rates increase.
During
periods of market disruption, including periods of significantly rising or high interest rates, rapidly widening credit spreads or illiquidity,
it may be difficult to value certain of NSGs securities if trading becomes less frequent or market data becomes less observable.
In addition, in times of financial market disruption, certain asset classes that were in active markets with significant observable data
may become illiquid. In those cases, the valuation process includes inputs that are less observable and require more subjectivity and
management judgment. If NSG is forced to sell certain of its investments during periods of market volatility or disruption, market prices
may be lower than their carrying. This could result in realized losses, which could have a material adverse effect on NSGs financial
condition and results of operations. It could also affect financial ratios, bringing NSG out of compliance with its credit instruments
and rating agency capital adequacy measures.
NSGs
debt investments are subject to the risk that investments may default or become impaired due to deterioration in the financial condition
of the issuer, or due to deterioration in the financial condition of an insurer that guarantees the issuers payments. Downgrades
in the credit ratings of fixed maturity securities (where rated) could also have a significant negative effect on the market valuation
of such securities. Mortgage loans are subject to a variety of risks relating to the supply and demand of leasable commercial space,
creditworthiness of tenants and partners, capital markets volatility, interest rate fluctuations and issuer defaults, among others.
**NSGs
actual claims losses may exceed reserves for claims and it may be required to establish additional reserves, which in turn may adversely
impact its results of operations and financial condition.**
NSG
maintains reserves to cover its estimated exposure for claims relating to its issued insurance policies. Reserves do not represent an
exact calculation of exposure, but instead represent NSGs best estimates using actuarial and statistical procedures. Reserve estimates
are refined as experience develops. Because establishing reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving estimates of future losses,
future developments may require NSG to increase policy benefit reserves, which would restrict its use of cash that might otherwise be
used for other purposes, negatively affecting its results of operations, and limit the dividends and distributions that it is able to
make to the Company.
**NSG
is subject to minimum capital and surplus requirements, and failure to meeting these requirements could subject it to regulatory action
or other restrictions.**
NSG
is subject to minimum capital and surplus requirements. Failure to satisfy these requirements could result in regulatory action, prevent
NSG from selling new business or require guarantees, all of which could have a material and adverse impact on NSGs competitiveness,
operational flexibility, financial condition and results of operations. Failure to satisfy these requirements could also preclude NSG
from making dividends and distributions to the Company.
**A
decline in NSGs risk-based capital (RBC) ratio could result in increased scrutiny by insurance regulators and rating
agencies and could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.**
The
NAIC has established model regulations that provide minimum capitalization requirements based on RBC formulas for insurance companies.
A failure to meet these requirements could subject NSG to increased scrutiny or corrective action imposed by insurance regulators, including
limitations on its ability to write additional business, increased regulatory supervision, or seizure or liquidation. A decline in RBC
ratio, whether or not it results in a failure to meet applicable RBC requirements, could limit NSGs ability to make distributions,
could result in a loss of customers or new business or result in a downgrade of NSGs financial strength rating.
47
**Employees
of NSG or its third-party service providers may take excessive risks which could negatively affect NSGs financial condition and
business.**
The
individuals who conduct NSGs business, including its management personnel, sales intermediaries, investment professions, and other
employees, as well as employees of various third-party service providers, make decision that could expose NSG to risk. These include
decisions such as setting underwriting guidelines and standards, product design and pricing, determining what assets to purchase for
investment and when to sell them, which business opportunities to pursue, among other decisions. Such individuals may take excessive
risks regardless of the structure of NSGs risk management framework or its compensation program and practices, which may not effectively
deter excessive risk-taking or misconduct. Similarly, NSGs controls and procedures may not be effective. If NSGs employees
and the employees of third-party service providers take excessive risks, it could suffer material losses in its investment portfolio,
be subject to regulatory sanctions and experience harm to its reputation.
**Difficult
conditions in the capital markets and the U.S. economy generally could materially adversely affect NSGs business and results of
operations.**
The
business and results of operations of domestic insurance companies generally are materially affected by conditions in the capital markets
and the U.S. economy generally. An economic downturn may be characterized by increases in inflation, higher unemployment, lower family
income, lower corporate earnings, lower business investment or lower consumer spending. As a result, the demand for insurance products
and their utilization could be adversely affected, as customers are unwilling or unable to purchase policies, choose to defer paying
insurance premiums or stop paying insurance premiums altogether, surrender their life insurance policies for their cash value or otherwise
seek to utilize the cash benefits of their policies or file property and casualty claims at elevated rates. Depending on their level
of occurrence, these customer actions could materially adversely affect NSGs business and results of operations.
**Climate
change could have a material adverse effect on NSGs business.**
Climate
change could have a significant impact on longer-term natural weather trends, potentially impacting both NSGs property and casualty
insurance business and its life insurance business. Rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns could impact storm frequency
and severity and thereby negatively affect claims experience, reinsurance costs and product pricing in NSGs property and casualty
insurance business. Climate change may also impact life expectancies, influencing mortality assumptions used in pricing and reserve calculations
in its insurance business. Because of the unpredictability of the long-term effects of climate change, NSG may be unable to accurately
factor these effects into its assumptions and models, and its business could suffer as a result.
**Item
1B. Unresolved Staff Comments**
None.
**Item
1C. Cybersecurity**
****
**Cybersecurity
Program Overview**
****
Our
cybersecurity program is designed to identify, assess, and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats. The cyber risk management
program involves risk assessments, implementation of security measures, and ongoing monitoring of systems and networks, including networks
on which we rely. We engage external experts, including cybersecurity assessors and consultants, to evaluate cybersecurity measures and
risk management processes. We engage and depend on service providers to actively monitor the current threat landscape in an effort to
identify material risks arising from new and evolving cybersecurity threats. Our finance and compliance personnel identify and oversee
risks from cybersecurity threats associated with our use of such entities.
48
**Board
Oversight of Cybersecurity Risks**
****
Our
Board provides strategic oversight on cybersecurity matters, including risks associated with cybersecurity threats. The Board receives
periodic updates from our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Compliance Officer, regarding the overall state of our cybersecurity
program, information on the current threat landscape, and risks from cybersecurity threats and cybersecurity incidents.
****
**Managements
Role in Cybersecurity Risk Management**
****
Our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, is responsible for assessing and managing material risks
from cybersecurity threats. Members of Company management possess relevant expertise in various disciplines that are key to effectively
managing such risks, such as regulatory compliance and corporate governance and rely on third-party service providers to provide expertise
with respect to information technology and cybersecurity. Our management is informed about and monitors the prevention, detection, mitigation,
and remediation of cybersecurity incidents, primarily through the receipt of notifications from service providers.
**Assessment
of Cybersecurity Risk**
****
The
potential impact of risks from cybersecurity threats are assessed on an ongoing basis, and how such risks could materially affect our
business strategy, operational results, and financial condition are regularly evaluated. During the reporting period, we have not identified
any risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of previous cybersecurity incidents, that we believe have materially affected,
or are reasonably likely to materially affect, us, including our business strategy, operational results, and financial condition.
**Item
2. Properties**
**Properties**
We
do not own any real estate or other physical properties materially important to our operation. In 2021, we entered into a 5-year operating
lease for our headquarters at 445 Park Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10022. Effective September 5, 2025, the Company amended the terms
of the lease, extending the lease term until August 31, 2035, with a right to terminate on the 36th and 60th month anniversaries of September
5, 2025, as well as any time on or after the 84th month anniversary of September 5, 2025.
**Item
3. Legal Proceedings**
From
time to time, we are involved in various legal proceedings, lawsuits and claims incidental to the conduct of our business. Our businesses
are also subject to extensive regulation, which may result in regulatory proceedings against us. We are not currently party to any material
legal proceedings.
**Item
4. Mine Safety Disclosures**
None.
49
**PART
II**
**Item
5. Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities**
Since
January 4, 2021, the common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol PFX.
As
of September 30, 2025, we had 11 stockholders of record of our common stock, which did not include stockholders for whom shares are held
in nominee or street name.
The
following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low closing prices of our common stock and the sales price
as a percentage of the net asset value per share of our common stock.
| 
| | 
| | | 
Closing
Market Price | | | 
Premium/
(Discount) of High Market Price to | | | 
Premium/
(Discount) of Low Market Price to | | |
| 
| | 
NAV(1) | | | 
High | | | 
Low | | | 
NAV
(2) | | | 
NAV
(2) | | |
| 
Fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
Fourth Quarter | | 
$ | 80.24 | | | 
$ | 53.59 | | | 
$ | 47.07 | | | 
| (33.21 | )% | | 
| (41.34 | )% | |
| 
Third Quarter | | 
| 78.20 | | | 
| 52.35 | | | 
| 47.51 | | | 
| (33.06 | )% | | 
| (39.25 | )% | |
| 
Second Quarter | | 
| 78.72 | | | 
| 54.38 | | | 
| 47.99 | | | 
| (30.92 | )% | | 
| (39.04 | )% | |
| 
First Quarter | | 
| 80.59 | | | 
| 51.00 | | | 
| 46.00 | | | 
| (36.72 | )% | | 
| (42.92 | )% | |
| 
Fiscal year ending September 30, 2024 | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Fourth Quarter | | 
$ | 79.37 | | | 
$ | 48.15 | | | 
$ | 45.01 | | | 
| (39.33 | )% | | 
| (43.29 | )% | |
| 
Third Quarter | | 
| 76.35 | | | 
| 48.00 | | | 
| 42.50 | | | 
| (37.13 | )% | | 
| (44.34 | )% | |
| 
Second Quarter | | 
| 76.35 | | | 
| 45.50 | | | 
| 41.34 | | | 
| (40.41 | )% | | 
| (45.85 | )% | |
| 
First Quarter | | 
| 73.14 | | | 
| 42.50 | | | 
| 36.38 | | | 
| (41.89 | )% | | 
| (50.26 | )% | |
| 
Fiscal year ending September 30, 2023 | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Fourth Quarter | | 
$ | 70.75 | | | 
$ | 40.00 | | | 
$ | 35.71 | | | 
| (43.46 | )% | | 
| (49.53 | )% | |
| 
Third Quarter | | 
| 67.01 | | | 
| 39.00 | | | 
| 32.00 | | | 
| (41.80 | )% | | 
| (52.25 | )% | |
| 
Second Quarter | | 
| 62.70 | | | 
| 39.14 | | | 
| 32.49 | | | 
| (37.58 | )% | | 
| (48.18 | )% | |
| 
First Quarter | | 
| 59.38 | | | 
| 36.49 | | | 
| 31.05 | | | 
| (38.55 | )% | | 
| (47.71 | )% | |
| 
(1) | 
Net asset
value per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the net asset value per share
on the date of the high and low market prices. The net asset value per share shown is based on outstanding shares at the end of the
period. | |
| 
(2) | 
Calculated
as of the respective high or low closing market price less quarter end net asset value divided by the quarter end net asset value. | |
For
all periods presented in the table above, there was no return of capital included in any distribution.
Shares
of business development companies may trade at a market price that is less than the value of the net assets attributable to those shares.
The possibility that our shares of common stock will trade at a discount or premium to net asset value is separate and distinct from
the risk that our net asset value will decrease.
The
last reported closing price of our common stock on December 10, 2025 was $41.50 per share, approximately 51.72% of the Companys
then-current NAV. As of December 10, 2025 we had 11 stockholders of record of our common stock, which did not include stockholders for
whom shares are held in nominee or street name.
**Sales
of Unregistered Securities**
We did not
sell any securities within the past three years that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
**Stock
Performance Graph**
This
graph compares the stockholder return on our common stock from September 30, 2020 to September 30, 2025 with that of the Standard &
Poors 500 Stock Index and the Russell 2000 Financial Services Index. This graph assumes that on September 30, 2020, $100 was invested
in our common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and the Russell 2000 Financial Services Index. The graph also assumes the reinvestment of
all cash dividends prior to any tax effect. Investment performance shown for periods prior to January 1, 2021 was achieved pursuant to
our former externally-managed structure.
The
graph and other information furnished under this Part II Item 5 of this annual report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be soliciting
material or to be filed with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of
the Exchange Act. The stock price performance included in the below graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock performance.
50
*
**Issuer
Purchases of Securities**
Information
relating to the Companys purchases of its common stock during the year ended September 30, 2025 is as follows:
| 
Month Ended | | 
SharesRepurchased | | | 
RepurchasePrice
Per Share | | | 
Aggregate
Considerationfor 
RepurchasedShares | | |
| 
June 2025 | | 
| 15,909 | | | 
| $50.03
- $50.03 | | | 
| 795,932 | | |
| 
September 2025 | | 
| 100 | | | 
| $47.68
- $47.68 | | | 
| 4,773 | | |
| 
Total | | 
| 16,009 | | | 
| | | | 
| 800,705 | | |
**Item
6. [Reserved]**
**Item
7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations**
The
following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes and other financial information
appearing elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Except
as otherwise specified, references to we, us, our, or the Company, refer to PhenixFIN
Corporation.
****
**Forward-Looking
Statements**
Some
of the statements in this annual report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or our performance
or financial condition. The forward-looking statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K involve risks and uncertainties,
including statements as to:
| 
| 
| 
the introduction,
withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; | |
| 
| 
| 
changes in political, economic
or industry conditions, the interest rate environment or conditions affecting the financial and capital markets, which could result
in changes in the value of our assets; | |
51
| 
| 
| 
the impact of increased
competition; | |
| 
| 
| 
the impact of future acquisitions
and divestitures; | |
| 
| 
| 
our business prospects
and the prospects of our portfolio companies; | |
| 
| 
| 
the impact of legislative
and regulatory actions and reforms and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to us; | |
| 
| 
| 
our contractual arrangements
and relationships with third parties; | |
| 
| 
| 
any future financings by
us; | |
| 
| 
| 
fluctuations in foreign
currency exchange rates; | |
| 
| 
| 
the impact of changes to
tax legislation and, generally, our tax position; | |
| 
| 
| 
our ability to locate suitable
investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments; | |
| 
| 
| 
our ability to attract
and retain highly talented professionals; | |
| 
| 
| 
market conditions and our
ability to access alternative debt markets and additional debt and equity capital; | |
| 
| 
| 
the unfavorable resolution
of legal proceedings; | |
| 
| 
| 
uncertainties associated
with the effect of pandemics and other future market disruptions on our business prospects and the operational and financial performance
of our portfolio companies, including our and their ability to achieve their respective objectives; and the effect of disruptions
on our ability to continue to effectively manage our business; and | |
| 
| 
| 
risks
and uncertainties relating to the possibility that the Company may explore strategic alternatives,
including, but are not limited to: the timing, benefits and outcome of any exploration of strategic
alternatives by the Company; potential disruptions in the Companys business and stock price
as a result of our exploration of any strategic alternatives; the ability to realize anticipated
efficiencies, or strategic or financial benefits; potential transaction costs and risks; and the
risk that any exploration of strategic alternatives may have an adverse effect on our existing business
arrangements or relationships, including our ability to retain or hire key personnel. There is no
assurance that any exploration of strategic alternatives will result in a transaction or other strategic
change or outcome. See Item 1A. Risk Factors. | |
Such
forward-looking statements may include statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words trend, opportunity,
pipeline, believe, comfortable, expect, anticipate, current,
intention, estimate, position, assume, potential, outlook,
continue, remain, maintain, sustain, seek, achieve,
and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as will, would, should, could,
may, or similar expressions. The forward looking statements contained in this annual report involve risks and uncertainties.
Our actual results could differ materially from those implied or expressed in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including
the factors set forth as Risk Factors and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.
We
have based the forward-looking statements included in this report on information available to us on the date of this report, and we assume
no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking
statements, and future results could differ materially from historical performance. Although we undertake no obligation to revise or
update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult
any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we have filed or in the future may file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including annual reports on Form 10-K, registration statements on Form N-2, quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.
52
**Overview**
We
are an internally-managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the
1940 Act. In addition, we have elected, and intend to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under
Subchapter M of the Code. Through December 31, 2020, we were an externally managed company. Since January 1, 2021, we have operated under
our present internalized management structure.
We
commenced operations and completed our initial public offering on January 20, 2011. Under our internalized management structure, our
activities are managed by our senior professionals and are supervised by our board of directors, of which a majority of the members are
independent of us.
The
Companys investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation. The management team seeks to achieve this
objective primarily through making loans, private equity or other investments in privately-held companies. The Company may also make
debt, equity or other investments in publicly-traded companies. These investments may also include investments in other BDCs, closed-end
funds or REITs. We may also pursue other strategic opportunities and invest in other assets or operate other businesses to achieve our
investment objective, such as operating and managing an asset-based lending business and an insurance business. The portfolio generally
consists of senior secured first lien term loans, senior secured second lien term loans, senior secured bonds, preferred equity and common
equity. Occasionally, we will receive warrants or other equity participation features which we believe will have the potential to increase
total investment returns. Our loan and other debt investments are primarily rated below investment grade or are unrated. Investments
in below investment grade securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest
and repay principal when due.
As
a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our
total assets in qualifying assets, including securities of private or thinly traded public U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents,
U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, we are only allowed to borrow
money such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% (or 150% if, pursuant to the 1940 Act, certain requirements
are met) after such borrowing, with certain limited exceptions. To maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must meet specified source-of-income
and asset diversification requirements. In addition, to maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must timely distribute at least 90% of our
net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, for the taxable
year.
**Revenues**
We
generate revenue in the form of interest income on the debt that we hold and dividends and capital gains, if any, on our equity investments
that we may acquire in portfolio companies. We invest our assets primarily in privately held companies with enterprise or asset values
between $25 million and $250 million and generally focus on investment sizes of $10 million to $50 million. We believe that pursuing
opportunities of this size offers several benefits including reduced competition, a larger investment opportunity set and the ability
to minimize the impact of financial intermediaries. We expect our debt investments to bear interest at either a fixed or floating rate.
Interest on debt will be payable generally either monthly or quarterly. In some cases our debt investments may provide for a portion
of the interest to be PIK. To the extent interest is PIK, it will be payable through the increase of the principal amount of the obligation
by the amount of interest due on the then-outstanding aggregate principal amount of such obligation. The principal amount of the debt
and any accrued but unpaid interest will generally become due at the maturity date. In addition, we may generate revenue in the form
of commitment, origination, structuring or diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance or investment management services
and possibly consulting fees. Any such fees will be recognized as earned.
53
**Expenses**
Under
our internally managed structure, we bear all costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including those relating to:
| 
| 
| 
our organization and continued
corporate existence; | |
| 
| 
| 
calculating our net asset
value (NAV) (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firms); | |
| 
| 
| 
expenses, including travel
expense, incurred by our professionals or payable to third parties performing due diligence on prospective portfolio companies, monitoring
our investments and, if necessary, enforcing our rights; | |
| 
| 
| 
interest payable on debt
incurred to finance our investments; | |
| 
| 
| 
the costs of all offerings
of common shares and other securities; | |
| 
| 
| 
operating costs associated
with employing investment professionals and other staff; | |
| 
| 
| 
distributions on our shares; | |
| 
| 
| 
administration fees payable
under our administration agreement; | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
| 
| 
custodial fees related
to our assets | |
| 
| 
| 
amounts payable to third
parties relating to, or associated with, making investments; | |
| 
| 
| 
transfer agent and custodial
fees; | |
| 
| 
| 
all registration and listing
fees; | |
| 
| 
| 
U.S. federal, state and
local taxes; | |
| 
| 
| 
independent directors
fees and expenses; | |
| 
| 
| 
costs of preparing and
filing reports or other documents with the SEC or other regulators; | |
| 
| 
| 
the costs of any reports,
proxy statements or other notices to our stockholders, including printing costs; | |
| 
| 
| 
our fidelity bond; | |
| 
| 
| 
the operating lease of
our office space; | |
| 
| 
| 
directors and officers/errors
and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums; | |
| 
| 
| 
indemnification payments;
and | |
| 
| 
| 
direct costs
and expenses of administration, including audit and legal costs. | |
**Long-Term
Cash Incentive Plan**
On
May 9, 2022, the board of directors of the Company adopted the PhenixFIN 2022 Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (the CIP) pursuant
to the recommendation by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors. The CIP provides for performance-based cash awards to
key employees of the Company, as approved by the Compensation Committee, based on the achievement of pre-established financial goals
for the approved performance period. The performance goals may be expressed as one or a combination of net asset value of the Company,
net asset value per share of the Companys common stock, changes in the market price of shares of the Companys common stock,
individual performance metrics and/or such other goals and objectives the Committee considers relevant in connection with accomplishing
the purposes of the CIP.
54
In
connection with the approval of the CIP, the Compensation Committee in April 2022, approved awards for the three-year performance period
commencing on October 1, 2021 and ending on September 30, 2024 (the 2022 LTIP Plan). Each participant is eligible to receive
an amount of cash equal to a percentage of the target award amount set forth above based on the factors described above. The Compensation
Committee, in approving the awards, evaluated each Performance Goal separately.
****
In
December 2022, pursuant to the CIP, the Compensation Committee approved awards for Mr. Lorber and Ms. McMillan for the three-year performance
period commencing on October 1, 2022 and ending on September 30, 2025 (the 2023 LTIP Plan). Each participant is eligible
to receive an amount of cash equal to a percentage of the target award amount set forth above based on the factors described above. The
Compensation Committee, in approving the awards, evaluated each Performance Goal separately.
In
December 2023, pursuant to the CIP, the Compensation Committee approved awards for Mr. Lorber and Ms. McMillan for the three-year performance
period commencing on October 1, 2023 and ending on September 30, 2026 (the 2024 LTIP Plan). Each participant is eligible
to receive an amount of cash equal to a percentage of their target award amount set forth above based on the factors described above.
The Compensation Committee, in approving the awards, evaluated each Performance Goal separately.
In
December 2024, pursuant to the CIP, the Compensation Committee approved awards for Mr. Lorber and Ms. McMillan for the three-year performance
period commencing on October 1, 2024 and ending on September 30, 2027 (the 2025 LTIP Plan). Each participant is eligible
to receive an amount of cash equal to a percentage of their target award amount set forth above based on the factors described above.
The threshold, target, and maximum performance levels are structured similar to those of the 2022 LTIP Plan. The Compensation Committee,
in approving the awards, evaluated each Performance Goal separately.
The
Target Performance Award for each executive officer for the 2023 LTIP Plan, the 2024 LTIP Plan, and the 2025 LTIP Plan is set forth in
the tables below:
| 
Name and
Title | | 
2023
LTIP 
DollarValue 
of Target 
Award | | |
| 
David Lorber, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer | | 
$ | 890,000 | | |
| 
Ellida McMillan, Chief Financial Officer | | 
| 380,000 | | |
| 
Name and
Title | | 
2024
LTIP DollarValue of Target Award | | |
| 
David Lorber, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer | | 
$ | 890,000 | | |
| 
Ellida McMillan, Chief Financial Officer | | 
| 380,000 | | |
| 
Name and
Title | | 
2025
LTIP 
DollarValue 
of Target 
Award | | |
| 
David Lorber, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer | | 
$ | 1,000,000 | | |
| 
Ellida McMillan, Chief Financial Officer | | 
| 425,000 | | |
55
During
the years ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, the Company recorded an expense of $1,425,922 and $2,798,437, respectively,
for these awards. During the year ended September 30, 2025, the Company paid out $2,002,790 for the 2022 LTIP plan based on achievement
of the Performance Goals. During the year ended September 30, 2024, the Company did not pay out anything for these awards.
**Portfolio
and Investment Activity**
As
of September 30, 2025 and 2024, our portfolio had a fair market value of approximately $302.3 million and $227.9 million, respectively.
During
the year ended September 30, 2025, we received proceeds excluding non-cash items from sale and settlements of investments of $100.3 million,
including principal and dividend proceeds, realized net losses on investments of
$11.9
million, and invested $173.9 million.
During
the year ended September 30, 2024, we received proceeds excluding non-cash items from sale and settlements of investments of $112.5 million,
including principal and dividend proceeds, realized net gains on investments of $7.3 million, and invested $99.3 million.
The
following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of our average portfolio company:
| 
| | 
September
30, 2025 | | | 
September
30, 2024 | | |
| 
| | 
Amortized
Cost | | | 
FairValue | | | 
Amortized
Cost | | | 
FairValue | | |
| 
Average portfolio company | | 
$ | 9,011 | | | 
$ | 8,396 | | | 
$ | 6,209 | | | 
$ | 5,427 | | |
| 
Largest portfolio company by amortized cost
and fair value, respectively | | 
| 51,967 | | | 
| 48,470 | | | 
| 48,553 | | | 
| 36,683 | | |
The following
table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of investments as of September 30, 2025 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Amortized
Cost | | | 
Percentage | | | 
FairValue | | | 
Percentage | | |
| 
Senior Secured First Lien Term
Loans | | 
$ | 125,373 | | | 
| 38.6 | % | | 
$ | 116,567 | | | 
| 38.6 | % | |
| 
Senior Secured Notes | | 
| 17,039 | | | 
| 5.3 | | | 
| 17,457 | | | 
| 5.8 | | |
| 
Fund Investment | | 
| 2,194 | | | 
| 0.7 | | | 
| 2,227 | | | 
| 0.7 | | |
| 
Equity/Warrants | | 
| 179,783 | | | 
| 55.4 | | | 
| 166,021 | | | 
| 54.9 | | |
| 
Total
Investments | | 
$ | 324,389 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | | 
$ | 302,272 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | |
The
following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of investments as of September 30, 2024 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Amortized
Cost | | | 
Percentage | | | 
FairValue | | | 
Percentage | | |
| 
Senior Secured First Lien Term
Loans | | 
$ | 129,957 | | | 
| 49.8 | % | | 
$ | 113,990 | | | 
| 50.0 | % | |
| 
Senior Secured Notes | | 
| 18,127 | | | 
| 7.0 | | | 
| 18,476 | | | 
| 8.1 | | |
| 
Fund Investment | | 
| 1,746 | | | 
| 0.7 | | | 
| 1,525 | | | 
| 0.7 | | |
| 
Equity/Warrants | | 
| 110,930 | | | 
| 42.5 | | | 
| 93,925 | | | 
| 41.2 | | |
| 
Total
Investments | | 
$ | 260,760 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | | 
$ | 227,916 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | |
As
of September 30, 2025, our income-bearing investment portfolio based upon cost represented 64.8% of our total portfolio of which 58.8%
bore interest based on floating rates, such as SOFR, 14.9% bore interest at fixed rates, and 26.3% are income-producing equity investments.
As of September 30, 2024, our income-bearing investment portfolio based upon cost represented 84.5% of our total portfolio of which 57.9%
bore interest based on floating rates, such as LIBOR or SOFR, while 17.0% bore interest at fixed rates and 25.1% are income-producing
equity investments. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had a weighted average yield of 12.8% on debt and other income producing investments.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had a weighted average yield of 12.3% on debt and other income producing investments. The weighted
average yield of our total portfolio does not represent the total return to our stockholders.
56
We
rate the risk profile of each of our debt investments based on the following categories:
| 
Credit | 
| 
| 
|
| 
Rating | 
| 
Definition | 
|
| 
| 
| 
| 
|
| 
1 | 
| 
Investments that are performing
above expectations. | 
|
| 
| 
| 
| 
|
| 
2 | 
| 
Investments
that are performing within expectations, with risks that are neutral or favorable compared to risks at the time of origination. All
new investments are rated 2. | 
|
| 
| 
| 
| 
|
| 
3 | 
| 
Investments
that are performing below expectations and that require closer monitoring, but where no loss of interest, dividend or principal is
expected. Companies rated 3 may be out of compliance with financial covenants, however, loan payments are generally
not past due. | 
|
| 
| 
| 
| 
|
| 
4 | 
| 
Investments
that are performing below expectations and for which risk has increased materially since origination. Some loss of interest or dividend
is expected but no loss of principal. In addition to the borrower being generally out of compliance with debt covenants, loan payments
may be past due (but generally not more than 180 days past due). | 
|
| 
| 
| 
| 
|
| 
5 | 
| 
Investments
that are performing substantially below expectations and whose risks have increased substantially since origination. Most or all
of the debt covenants are out of compliance and payments are substantially delinquent. Some loss of principal is expected. | 
|
The
following table shows the distribution of our investments on the 1 to 5 investment performance rating scale at fair value as of September
30, 2025 and 2024 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
September
30, 2025 | | | 
September
30, 2024 | | |
| 
| | 
Fair
Value | | | 
Percentage | | | 
Fair
Value | | | 
Percentage | | |
| 
1 | | 
$ | - | | | 
| 0.0 | % | | 
$ | - | | | 
| 0.0 | % | |
| 
2 | | 
| 276,582 | | | 
| 91.5 | % | | 
| 200,162 | | | 
| 87.9 | % | |
| 
3 | | 
| 25,690 | | | 
| 8.5 | % | | 
| 8,835 | | | 
| 3.9 | % | |
| 
4 | | 
| - | | | 
| 0.0 | % | | 
| 16,520 | | | 
| 7.2 | % | |
| 
5 | | 
| - | | | 
| 0.0 | % | | 
| 2,399 | | | 
| 1.1 | % | |
| 
Total | | 
$ | 302,272 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | | 
$ | 227,916 | | | 
| 100.1 | % | |
**Results
of Operations**
****
Operating
results for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
For
the Year Ended September 30, | | |
| 
| | 
2025 | | | 
2024 | | | 
2023 | | |
| 
Total investment income | | 
$ | 25,263 | | | 
$ | 22,182 | | | 
$ | 19,878 | | |
| 
Less: Net expenses | | 
| 20,122 | | | 
| 17,448 | | | 
| 13,622 | | |
| 
Net investment income/(loss) | | 
| 5,141 | | | 
| 4,734 | | | 
| 6,256 | | |
| 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments | | 
| (11,923 | ) | | 
| 7,292 | | | 
| (11,532 | ) | |
| 
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on
investments | | 
| 10,728 | | | 
| 5,706 | | | 
| 32,194 | | |
| 
Deferred tax benefit
(expense) | | 
| 210 | | | 
| 887 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | 
$ | 4,156 | | | 
$ | 18,619 | | | 
$ | 26,918 | | |
**Investment
Income**
For
the year ended September 30, 2025, investment income totaled $25.3 million, of which $16.6 million was attributable to portfolio interest,
approximately $7.5 million was attributable to dividend income, $1.0 million was attributable to fee and other income, and $0.2 million
was attributable to interest on cash and cash equivalents. Dividend income was received from 11 investments during the year ended September
30, 2025.
For
the year ended September 30, 2024, investment income totaled $22.2 million, of which $14.3 million was attributable to portfolio interest,
approximately $6.8 million was attributable to dividend income, $0.5 million was attributable to fee and other income, and $0.5 million
was attributable to interest on cash and cash equivalents. Dividend income was received from 10 investments during the year ended September
30, 2024.
For
the year ended September 30, 2023, investment income totaled $20.1 million, of which $12.1 million was attributable to portfolio interest,
approximately $6.9 million was attributable to dividend income, $0.7 million was attributable to fee and other income, and $0.4 million
was attributable to interest on cash and cash equivalents. Dividend income was received from 11 investments during the year ended September
30, 2023.
57
**Operating
Expenses**
****
Operating
expenses for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
For
the Year Ended September 30, | | |
| 
| | 
2025 | | | 
2024 | | | 
2023 | | |
| 
Interest and financing expenses | | 
$ | 10,279 | | | 
$ | 6,609 | | | 
| 5,532 | | |
| 
Salaries and benefits | | 
| 5,067 | | | 
| 6,851 | | | 
| 4,187 | | |
| 
Professional fees, net | | 
| 1,978 | | | 
| 1,463 | | | 
| 1,405 | | |
| 
General and administrative | | 
| 1,239 | | | 
| 1,094 | | | 
| 983 | | |
| 
Directors fees | | 
| 816 | | | 
| 750 | | | 
| 729 | | |
| 
Administrator expenses | | 
| 405 | | | 
| 302 | | | 
| 320 | | |
| 
Insurance expenses | | 
| 338 | | | 
| 379 | | | 
| 466 | | |
| 
Total Expenses | | 
$ | 20,122 | | | 
$ | 17,448 | | | 
| 13,622 | | |
For
the year ended September 30, 2025, total operating expenses increased by $2.7 million, or 15.3%, compared to the year ended September
30, 2024.
For
the year ended September 30, 2024, total operating expenses increased by $3.8 million, or 28.1%, compared to the year ended September
30, 2023.
**Interest
and Financing Expenses**
Interest
and financing expenses for the year ended September 30, 2025 increased by $3.7 million, or 55.5%, compared to the year ended September
30, 2024. The increase in interest and financing expenses was primarily due to increased interest expense on the Credit Facility from
increased borrowings during the year.
Interest
and financing expenses for the year ended September 30, 2024 increased by $1.1 million, or 19.5%, compared to the year ended September
30, 2023. The increase in interest and financing expenses was primarily due to increased interest expense on the Credit Facility from
increased borrowings during the year.
**Salaries
and Benefits**
Salaries
and benefits expenses for the year ended September 30, 2025 decreased by $1.8 million, or 26.0%, compared to the year ended September
30, 2024. The decrease in salaries and benefits expenses was primarily due to decreased bonus accruals during the year.
Salaries
and benefits expenses for the year ended September 30, 2024 increased by $2.7 million, or 63.6%, compared to the year ended September
30, 2023. The increase in salaries and benefits expenses was primarily due to increased bonus accruals during the year.
**Professional
Fees and General and Administrative Expenses**
Professional
fees and general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2025 increased by $0.7 million, or 25.8%, compared to the
year ended September 30, 2024. This resulted primarily from an increase in taxes and increased miscellaneous expenses.
Professional
fees and general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2024 decreased by $0.2 million, or 7.1%, compared to the
year ended September 30, 2023. This resulted primarily from a decrease in miscellaneous expenses.
**Net
Realized Gains/Losses from Investments**
We
measure realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized cost basis of an investment,
without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized.
During
the year ended September 30, 2025, we recognized $11.9 million of realized losses on our portfolio investments. The realized losses were
primarily due to a realized loss on Black Angus Steakhouses, LLC for $10.3 million.
During
the year ended September 30, 2024, we recognized $7.3 million of realized gains on our portfolio investments. The realized gains were
primarily due to a realized gain on Maritime Wireless Holdings for $7.0 million and a realized gain on Kemmerer Operations, LLC for $8.5
million, offset by a loss on the sale of 1888 Industrial Services for $8.8 million
During
the year ended September 30, 2023, we recognized $11.5 million of net realized losses on our portfolio investments. The realized losses
were primarily due to the restructuring of one investment and the full repayments of two investments.
58
**Net
Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments**
Net
change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments reflects the net change in the fair value of our investment portfolio.
For
the year ended September 30, 2025, we had $10.7 million of net change in unrealized appreciation on investments. The net unrealized appreciation
resulted from the reversal of the unrealized loss from the sale of Black Angus Steakhouses, LLC and unrealized appreciation primarily
on Altisource S.A.R.L. and ECC Capital Corp.
For
the year ended September 30, 2024, we had $5.7 million of net change in unrealized appreciation on investments. The net unrealized appreciation
resulted from the reversal of the unrealized loss on 1888 Industrial Services and unrealized appreciation primarily on Chimera Investment
Corporation, FST Holdings Parent LLC, Power Stop LLC, and PHH Mortgage Corporation, offset by the reversal of the unrealized gain on
Maritime Wireless Holdings and Kemmerer Operations, LLC.
For
the year ended September 30, 2023, we had $31.9 million of net change in unrealized appreciation on investments. The net unrealized appreciation
was comprised of $1.9 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments and $33.8 million of net unrealized appreciation that resulted
from the reversal of previously recorded unrealized depreciation on investments that were realized, partially sold, or written-off during
the year.
**Provision
for Deferred Taxes**
Certain
consolidated subsidiaries of ours are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. These taxable subsidiaries are not consolidated
with the Company for income tax purposes, but are consolidated for GAAP purposes, and may generate income tax liabilities or assets from
temporary differences in the recognition of items for financial reporting and income tax purposes at the subsidiaries. For the years
ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 the Company recorded a change in provision for deferred taxes on the unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation
on investments of $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively.For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company did not record
a change in provision for deferred taxes.
**Changes
in Net Assets from Operations**
For
the year ended September 30, 2025, we recorded a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $4.2 million compared to a net
increase in net assets resulting from operations of $18.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2024, and a net increase in net assets
resulting from operations of $26.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 as a result of the factors discussed above. Based on
2,015,157, 2,040,253 and 2,092,326 weighted average common shares outstanding for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023,
respectively, our per share net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations was $2.07, $9.13, and $12.87 for the years
ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
**Financial
Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources**
As
a RIC, we distribute substantially all of our taxable net income to our stockholders and have an ongoing need to raise additional capital
for investment purposes. To fund growth, we have a number of alternatives available to increase capital, including raising equity, increasing
debt, and funding from operational cash flow.
Our
liquidity and capital resources historically have been generated primarily from the net proceeds of public offerings of common stock,
advances from the Credit Facility and net proceeds from the issuance of notes as well as cash flows from operations. In the future, we
may generate cash from future offerings of securities, future borrowings and cash flows from operations, including interest earned from
the temporary investment of cash in U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less.
Our primary use of funds is investments in our targeted asset classes, cash distributions to our stockholders, and other general corporate
purposes.
59
As
of September 30, 2025 and 2024, we had $7.3 million and $67.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, respectively.
In
order to maintain our RIC tax treatment under the Code, we intend to distribute to our stockholders substantially all of our taxable
income, but we may also elect to periodically spill over certain excess undistributed taxable income from one tax year into the next
tax year. In addition, as a BDC, for each taxable year we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total senior
securities, which include borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future, of at least 200% (or 150% if, pursuant to the
1940 Act, certain requirements are met). This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow.
On
January 11, 2021, the Company announced that its board of directors approved a share repurchase program. On February 9, 2022, the Board
of Directors approved the expansion of the amount authorized for repurchase under the Companys share repurchase program from $15
million to $25 million. On February 8, 2023, the Board of Directors approved the further expansion of the amount authorized for repurchase
under the Companys share repurchase program from $25 million to $35 million. Under the share repurchase program, the Company repurchased
an aggregate of 719,940 shares of common stock through September 30, 2025, or 26.4% of shares outstanding as of the programs inception,
with a total cost of $28.9 million. The total remaining amount authorized under the expanded share repurchase program at September 30,
2025 was approximately $6.1 million.
****
**Credit
Facility**
On
December 15, 2022, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries executed a three-year, $50 million revolving credit facility (the Credit
Facility) with WoodForest Bank, N.A. (WoodForest), Valley National Bank, and Axiom Bank, (collectively, the Lenders).
WoodForest is the administrative agent, sole bookrunner and sole lead arranger. As of September 30, 2025, there was $90.0 million outstanding
borrowings by the Company under the Credit Facility.
Outstanding
loans under the Credit Facility bear a monthly interest rate at Term SOFR + 2.90%. The Company is also subject to a commitment fee of
0.25%, which shall accrue on the actual daily amount of the undrawn portion of the revolving credit. The Credit Facility contains customary
representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants. The Credit Facility contains customary events of default for credit
facilities of this type, including (without limitation): nonpayment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts after a stated grace
period; inaccuracy of material representations and warranties; change of control; violations of covenants, subject in certain cases to
stated cure periods; and certain bankruptcies and liquidations. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Company may be required
to repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility.
On
February 21, 2024 (the First Amendment Effective Date), in order to increase the size of the Credit Facility, the parties
to the Credit Facility amended the terms of the Credit Facility, effective as of the First Amendment Effective Date (the First
Amendment). The First Amendment increased the principal amount of loan available under the Credit Facility by $12.5 million to
$62.5 million. All other material terms of the Credit Facility remain unchanged.
On
August 5, 2024 (the Second Amendment Effective Date), in order to increase the size of the Credit Facility, the parties
to the Credit Facility amended the Credit Facility, effective as of the Second Amendment Effective Date (the Second Amendment).
The Second Amendment increased the principal amount of loan available under the Credit Facility by $25 million to $87.5 million. All
other material terms of the Credit Facility remain unchanged.
On
April 17, 2025 (the Third Amendment Effective Date), in order to extend the term and increase the size of the Credit Facility,
the parties to the Credit Facility amended the terms of the Credit Facility, effective as of the Third Amendment Effective Date (the
Third Amendment). The Third Amendment increased the principal amount of the loan available under the Credit Facility by
$12.5 million to $100.0 million (with potential access to up to an additional $50,000,000 pursuant to an uncommitted accordion provision)
and appointed BankUnited, N.A. to assume all agency and syndication responsibilities from the prior agent and lenders. Outstanding loans
under the terms of the Amendment bear a monthly interest rate ranging from ABR + 1.35% to ABR + 1.75% for any alternative base rate loans
and from Term SOFR + 2.35% to Term SOFR + 2.75% for any term benchmark loans based on the total debt to tangible net worth ratio. The
Amendment also extended the term of the credit facility to April 17, 2030, five years from the Effective Date. Other material terms remain
substantially unchanged.
****
60
****
**Unsecured
Notes**
2023 Notes*
On
March 18, 2013, the Company issued $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes. As of March 30, 2016, the 2023 Notes may
be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Companys option. On March 26, 2013, the Company closed
an additional $3.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes, pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters option
to purchase additional notes. The 2023 Notes bore interest at a rate of 6.125% per year, payable quarterly on March 30, June 30, September
30 and December 30 of each year, beginning June 30, 2013.
On
December 12, 2016, the Company entered into an At-The-Market (ATM) debt distribution agreement with FBR Capital
Markets & Co., through which the Company could offer for sale, from time to time, up to $40.0 million in aggregate principal amount
of the 2023 Notes. The Company sold 1,573,872 of the 2023 Notes at an average price of $25.03 per note, and raised $38.6 million in net
proceeds, through the ATM debt distribution agreement.
On
March 10, 2018, the Company redeemed $13.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The redemption was accounted for
as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized loss of $0.3
million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt.
On
December 31, 2018, the Company redeemed $12.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The redemption was accounted for
as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized loss of $0.2
million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt.
On
December 21, 2020, the Company announced that it completed the application process for and was authorized to transfer the listing of
the 2023 Notes to the NASDAQ Global Market. The listing and trading of the 2023 Notes on the NYSE ceased at the close of trading on December
31, 2020. Effective January 4, 2021, the 2023 Notes trade on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol PFXNL.
On
November 15, 2021, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of the 2023 Notes regarding the Companys exercise of
its option to redeem $55,325,000 in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2023 Notes on December 16, 2021. The redemption
was accounted for as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized
loss of $0.3 million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt.
On
December 15, 2022, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of its 2023 Notes regarding the Companys exercise of
its option to redeem $22,521,800 in aggregate principal amount of issued and outstanding 2023 Notes, comprising all issued and outstanding
2023 Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from September
30, 2022, through, but excluding, January 17, 2023 in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the 2023 Notes. The redemption
was completed on January 17, 2023. The Company funded the redemption of the 2023 Notes with loans obtained under the Credit Facility,
as described earlier in this section.
*2028 Notes*
On
November 9, 2021, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement, by and between the Company and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., as representative
of the several underwriters named in Exhibit A thereto, in connection with the issuance and sale (the Offering) of $57,500,000
(including the underwriters option to purchase up to $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount) in aggregate principal amount of its
5.25% Notes due 2028 (the 2028 Notes). The Offering occurred on November 15, 2021, pursuant to the Companys effective
shelf registration statement on Form N-2 previously filed with the SEC, as supplemented by a preliminary prospectus supplement dated
November 8, 2021, the pricing term sheet dated November 9, 2021 and a final prospectus supplement dated November 9, 2021. Effective November
16, 2021, the 2028 Notes began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol PFXNZ.
61
On
November 15, 2021, the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee entered into a Fourth Supplemental Indenture to its base
Indenture, dated February 7, 2012, between the Company and the Trustee. The Fourth Supplemental Indenture relates to the Offering of
the 2028 Notes.
*2028
Promissory Note*
On
May 2, 2024, the Company issued a 5.25% note due November 1, 2028 in the principal amount of $1,661,498 to National Security Insurance
Company (the 2028 Promissory Note). The financial terms of the note are substantially the same as the 2028 Notes.
****
**Contractual
Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements**
As
of September 30, 2025 and 2024, we had commitments under loan and financing agreements to fund up to $5.5 million to six portfolio companies
and $1.6 million to two portfolio companies, respectively. These commitments are primarily composed of senior secured delayed draw term
loans and revolvers, and the determination of their fair value is included in the Consolidated Schedules of Investments. The commitments
are generally subject to the borrowers meeting certain criteria such as compliance with covenants and certain operational metrics. The
terms of the borrowings and financings subject to commitment are comparable to the terms of other loan and equity securities in our portfolio.
A summary of the composition of the unfunded commitments as of September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024 is shown in the table below
(dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
September30,
2025 | | | 
September30,
2024 | | |
| 
MB Precision Investment Holdings
LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Revolver | | 
$ | 85 | | | 
$ | - | | |
| 
MB Precision Investment Holdings LLC - Senior
Secured Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
| 1,521 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
PREIT Associates - Revolver | | 
| 61 | | | 
| | | |
| 
PSB Group, LLC - Revolver | | 
| 472 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
SS Acquisition, LLC (dba Soccer Shots Franchising)
- Revolver | | 
| 1,029 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Tamarix Capital Partners II, L.P. - Fund Investment | | 
| 865 | | | 
| 1,313 | | |
| 
WHI Global, LLC - Revolver | | 
| 1,484 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
XYZ Roofco, LLC (dba SMC Roofing Solutions
LLC) - First Out Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
| - | | | 
| 57 | | |
| 
XYZ Roofco, LLC (dba
SMC Roofing Solutions LLC) - Last Out Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
| - | | | 
| 246 | | |
| 
Total
unfunded commitments | | 
$ | 5,517 | | | 
$ | 1,616 | | |
The
following table shows our payment obligations by calendar year for repayment of debt and other contractual obligations at September 30,
2025 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Payments
Due by Period | | |
| 
| | 
2026 | | | 
2027 | | | 
2028 | | | 
2029 | | | 
2030 | | | 
Thereafter | | | 
Total | | |
| 
Revolving
Credit Facility | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | (89,991,619 | ) | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | (89,991,619 | ) | |
| 
2028 Notes | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (57,500,000 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (57,500,000 | ) | |
| 
2028
Promissory Note | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (1,661,498 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (1,661,498 | ) | |
| 
Operating
Lease Obligation(1) | | 
| (265,650 | ) | | 
| (327,695 | ) | | 
| (337,525 | ) | | 
| (347,651 | ) | | 
| (358,081 | ) | | 
| (1,817,021 | ) | | 
| (3,453,623 | ) | |
| 
Total
contractual obligations | | 
$ | (265,650 | ) | | 
$ | (327,695 | ) | | 
$ | (59,499,023 | ) | | 
$ | (347,651 | ) | | 
$ | (90,349,700 | ) | | 
$ | (1,817,021 | ) | | 
$ | (152,606,740 | ) | |
| 
(1) | 
Operating
Lease Obligation means a rent payment obligation under a lease classified as an operating lease and disclosed pursuant to ASC
842, as may be modified or supplemented. | |
****
**Distributions**
We
have elected, and intend to continue to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter
M of the Code. As a RIC, in any taxable year with respect to which we timely distribute at least 90 percent of the sum of our (i) investment
company taxable income (which is generally our net ordinary income plus the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over realized
net long-term capital losses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) net tax exempt interest income (which
is the excess of our gross tax exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions), we (but not our stockholders) generally will
not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders.
We intend to distribute annually all or substantially all of such income, but we may also elect to periodically spill over certain excess
undistributed taxable income from one tax year to the next tax year. To the extent that we retain our net capital gains or any investment
company taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax. We may choose to retain our net capital gains or any investment
company taxable income, and pay the associated federal corporate income tax or excise tax, described below.
62
Amounts
not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S.
federal excise tax payable by us. To avoid this tax, we must distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) during each calendar year
an amount equal to the sum of:
| 
| 
1) | 
at least 98.0% of our ordinary
income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year; | |
| 
| 
2) | 
at least 98.2% of the amount
by which our capital gains exceed our capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period ending on October
31st of the calendar year; and | |
| 
| 
3) | 
income realized, but not
distributed, in preceding years and on which we did not pay federal income tax. | |
While
we intend to distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% U.S. federal excise tax,
sufficient amounts of our taxable income and capital gains may not be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the tax. In that
event, we will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which we do not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.
To
the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for a taxable year, a portion of those distributions
may be deemed a return of capital to our stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Stockholders should read any written disclosure
accompanying a distribution carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains.
We
have adopted an opt out dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a cash dividend
or other distribution, each stockholder that has not opted out of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their dividends
automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock rather than receiving cash dividends. Stockholders who receive distributions
in the form of shares of common stock will be subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as if they received cash
distributions.
On
May 9, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend in the amount of $2,645,925. This dividend was paid on June 10, 2024
to stockholders of record as of May 27, 2024. On February 6, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend in the amount of
$2,888,283 for a record date of February 17, 2025 and paid on February 19, 2025. The Company did not declare any regular distribution
payments during the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
**Related
Party Transactions**
We
have adopted a formal business code of conduct and ethics that governs the conduct of our CEO, CFO, chief accounting officer (which role
is currently fulfilled by our CFO) and controller (Covered Officers). Our officers and directors also remain subject to the duties imposed
by both the 1940 Act and the Delaware General Corporation Law. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics requires that all Covered Officers
promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between an individuals
personal and professional relationships. Pursuant to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, each Covered Officer must disclose to the
Companys CCO any conflicts of interest, or actions or relationships that might give rise to a conflict. Any approvals or waivers
under our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics must be considered by the disinterested directors.
The
Company has entered into contracts with its affiliated portfolio companies, The National Security Group (and certain of its affiliates)
and ECC Capital Corporation, pursuant to which the Company (and/or certain of its subsidiaries) provide such affiliated portfolio companies
certain services, including managing a portion of their investment assets. During the year ended September 30, 2025, the Company recognized
$0.7 million of income related to these contracts.
63
During
the year ended September 30, 2024, the Company entered into a related party transaction with NVTN LLC whereby the $11.9 million of equity
of Maritime Wireless Holdings LLC was transferred to NVTN LLC.
**Due
from/to Affiliates**
****
Due
from affiliates at September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024 consists of certain legal and general and administrative expenses paid by
the Company on behalf of certain of its affiliates. Due to affiliates at September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024 consists of certain
expenses payable by the Company to certain of its affiliates.
****
**Pledge
and Security Agreement**
In
connection with the Credit Facility discussed in Note 5, the Company has entered into a Pledge and Security Agreement with the Lenders
pursuant to which the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries have pledged all their assets, including the cash and securities held
in the Companys custodial account with Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as collateral for any borrowings made by the Company
pursuant to the Credit Agreement. The Lenders have the typical rights and remedies of a secured lender under the Uniform Commercial Code,
including the right to foreclose on the collateral pledged by the Company.
On
February 21, 2024, the Pledge and Security Agreement was amended to (i) release and terminate the security interest in the equity interest
of FlexFIN, LLC, pledged by PhenixFIN Investment Holdings LLC, (ii) grant a security interest in the membership interest of FlexFIN Holdco
LLC, pledged by PhenixFIN Investment Holdings LLC, and (iii) reflect equity interests of certain subsidiaries held by the Company and
its subsidiary in the exhibits.
On
August 5, 2024, the Pledge and Security Agreement was further amended to join an additional subsidiary of the Company as a Guarantor
and grant a security interest in the equity interest of such additional subsidiary.
On
September 30, 2024, the Pledge and Security Agreement was further amended to exclude assets owned by excluded subsidiaries from the collateral
package and reflect the equity interest of an additional subsidiary of the Company in the exhibits.
**Critical
Accounting Policies**
The
preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could
materially differ from those estimates. We have identified the following items as critical accounting policies.
**Valuation
of Portfolio Investments**
The
Company follows ASC 820 for measuring the fair value of portfolio investments. Fair value is the price that would be received in the
sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where
available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters, or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable
prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation models involve some level of management estimation
and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments complexity.
The Companys fair value analysis includes an analysis of the value of any unfunded loan commitments. Financial investments recorded
at fair value in the consolidated financial statements are categorized for disclosure purposes based upon the level of judgment associated
with the inputs used to measure their value. The valuation hierarchical levels are based upon the transparency of the inputs to the valuation
of the investment as of the measurement date. Investments which are valued using NAV as a practical expedient are excluded from this
hierarchy. The three levels are defined below:
| 
| 
| 
Level 1 - Valuations based
on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. | |
64
| 
| 
| 
Level 2 - Valuations based
on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. | |
| 
| 
| 
Level 3 - Valuations based
on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. | |
We
value investments for which market quotations are readily available at their market quotations, which are generally obtained from an
independent pricing service or multiple broker-dealers or market makers. We weight the use of third-party broker quotes, if any, in determining
fair value based on our understanding of the level of actual transactions used by the broker to develop the quote and whether the quote
was an indicative price or binding offer. However, a readily available market value is not expected to exist for many of the investments
in our portfolio, and we value these portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors under
our valuation policy and process. We may seek pricing information with respect to certain of our investments from pricing services or
brokers or dealers in order to value such investments.
Valuation
methods may include comparisons of financial ratios of the portfolio companies that issued such private equity securities to peer companies
that are public, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio companys ability to make payments and its earnings
and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, and other relevant factors. When an external event
such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we will consider the pricing indicated by the external
event to corroborate the private equity valuation. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that
do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the investments may differ significantly from the values that would have
been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material.
In
December 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, which permits a BDCs board of directors to designate its executive
officer(s) as a valuation designee to determine the fair value of its investment portfolio, subject to the oversight of the board. The
Board approved policies and procedures pursuant to Rule 2a-5 and has designated Ellida McMillan, the Companys CFO, to serve as
the Boards valuation designee (Valuation Designee), subject to the Boards oversight, effective September
8, 2022.
With
respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, our board oversees and our Valuation Designee undertakes
a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:
| 
| 
| 
Our quarterly valuation
process generally begins with each investment being initially valued by a Valuation Firm. | |
| 
| 
| 
Available third-party market
data will be reviewed by Company personnel designated by the Valuation Designee (Fair Value Personnel) and the Valuation
Firm. | |
| 
| 
| 
Available portfolio company
data and general industry data is then reviewed by the Fair Value Personnel. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
| 
| 
Preliminary valuation conclusions
are then documented by the Valuation Firm and discussed with the Fair Value Personnel. | |
| 
| 
| 
The Valuation Designee
then determines the fair value of each investment in the Companys portfolio in good faith based on such discussions, the Companys
Valuation Policy and the Valuation Firms final estimated valuations. | |
| 
| 
| 
The Valuation Designees report is then presented to the Board
of Directors and the Audit Committee. | |
In
following these approaches, the types of factors that are taken into account in fair value pricing investments include available current
market data, including relevant and applicable market trading and transaction comparables; applicable market yields and multiples; security
covenants; call protection provisions; information rights; the nature and realizable value of any collateral; the portfolio companys
ability to make payments; the portfolio companys earnings and discounted cash flows; the markets in which the portfolio company
does business; comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public; comparable merger and acquisition transactions; and
the principal market and enterprise values.
65
Determination
of fair values involves subjective judgments and estimates made by management. The notes to our consolidated financial statements refer
to the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on our consolidated financial
statements.
**Revenue
Recognition**
Our revenue
recognition policies are as follows:
*Investments
and Related Investment Income:*We account for investment transactions on a trade-date basis and interest income, adjusted for
amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is recorded on an accrual basis. For investments with contractual PIK interest,
which represents contractual interest accrued and added to the principal balance that generally becomes due at maturity, we will not
accrue PIK interest if the portfolio company valuation indicates that the PIK interest is not collectible. Origination, closing and/or
commitment fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are recognized as income when the investment transaction closes. Other
fees are capitalized as deferred revenue and recorded into income over the respective period. Prepayment penalties received by the Company
for debt instruments paid back to the Company prior to the maturity date are recorded as income upon receipt. Realized gains or losses
on investments are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized cost basis of investment,
without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized. We report changes in the fair value of investments that are measured
at fair value as a component of the net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments in our Consolidated Statements
of Operations.
*Non-accrual:*We place loans on non-accrual status when principal and interest payments are past due by 90 days or more, or when there is reasonable
doubt that we will collect principal or interest. Accrued interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual. Interest
payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon managements judgment.
Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in our managements judgment,
are likely to remain current. At September 30, 2025, a certain investment in one portfolio company held by the Company was on non-accrual
status with a combined fair value of approximately $0.0 million, or 0.0% of the fair value of our portfolio, and a cost of $7.6 million.
At September 30, 2024, certain investments in three portfolio companies held by the Company were on non-accrual status with a combined
fair value of approximately $2.4 million, or 1.1% of the fair value of our portfolio, and a cost of $20.2 million.
****
**Federal
Income Taxes**
The
Company has elected, and intends to continue to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter
M of the Code and it intends to operate in a manner so as to maintain its RIC tax treatment. To do so, among other things, the Company
is required to meet certain source of income and asset diversification requirements and must timely distribute to its stockholders at
least 90% of the sum of investment company taxable income (ICTI) including PIK, as defined by the Code, and net tax exempt
interest income (which is the excess of our gross tax exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions) for each taxable year.
The Company will be subject to a nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax of 4% on undistributed income if it does not distribute at least
98% of its net ordinary income for any calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for each one-year period ending on October
31 of such calendar year and any income realized, but not distributed, in preceding years and on which it did not pay federal income
tax. Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year dividend
distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that the Company determines that
its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions for excise tax purposes,
the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. Any such carryover ICTI must
be distributed before the end of that next tax year through a dividend declared prior to filing the final tax return related to the year
which generated such ICTI.
Because
federal income tax requirements differ from GAAP, distributions in accordance with tax requirements may differ from net investment income
and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are
reclassified among capital accounts in the consolidated financial statements to reflect their tax character. Temporary differences arise
when certain items of income, expense, gain or loss are recognized at some time in the future. Differences in classification may also
result from the treatment of short-term gains as ordinary income for tax purposes.
66
**Recent
Developments**
****
On
December 8, 2025, the Company redeemed in aggregate its principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2028 Promissory Note, comprising
all issued and outstanding 2028 Promissory Notes, at a price equal tothe closing market price of the 2028 Notes on December 5,
2025, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from November 1, 2025, through, but excluding, December 8, 2025 in accordance with the
terms of the indenture governing the 2028 Promissory Note. The redemption was completed on December 8, 2025.
**Item
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk**
We
are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates may affect both our cost of funding
and our interest income from portfolio investments and cash and cash equivalents. Our investment income will be affected by changes in
various interest rates, including SOFR, to the extent our debt investments include floating interest rates. In the future, we expect
other loans in our portfolio will have floating interest rates. In 2023, the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates and has
indicated additional interest rate increases may come. In addition, U.S. and global capital markets and credit markets have experienced
a higher level of stress due to the higher interest rate environment, pandemics, and other market events, which has resulted in an increase
in the level of volatility across such markets. We may hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using standard hedging instruments
such as futures, options and forward contracts subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. For the year ended September 30, 2025, we
did not engage in hedging activities.
As
of September 30, 2025, 67.5% of our income-bearing investment portfolio bore interest based on floating rates based upon fair value.
The substantial majority of this component of our portfolio bore interest based on a SOFR reference rate. A prolonged reduction in interest
rates will reduce our gross investment income and could result in a decrease in our net investment income if such decreases in the applicable
reference rates are not offset by a corresponding increase in the spread over the reference rates that we earn on any portfolio investments,
a decrease in our operating expenses, including with respect to any income incentive fee, or a decrease in the interest rate of our floating
interest rate liabilities tied to reference rates. In contrast, a rise in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead
to higher interest rates applicable to any variable rate investments we hold and to declines in the value of any fixed rate investments
we hold. In addition, a rise in interest rates may increase the likelihood that a portfolio company defaults on a loan. However, many
of our variable rate investments provide for an interest rate floor, which may prevent our interest income from increasing until benchmark
interest rates increase beyond a threshold amount.
The
composition of our floating rate debt investments by cash interest rate floor as of September 30, 2025 was as follows (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
September
30, 2025 | | |
| 
SOFR Floor | | 
Fair
Value | | | 
%
of 
Floating 
Rate 
Portfolio | | |
| 
Under 1% | | 
$ | 15,422 | | | 
| 13.4 | % | |
| 
1% to under 2% | | 
| 50,486 | | | 
| 44.1 | | |
| 
2% to under 3% | | 
| 2,649 | | | 
| 2.3 | | |
| 
3% to under 4% | | 
| 13,135 | | | 
| 11.4 | | |
| 
4% to under 5% | | 
| 8,864 | | | 
| 7.7 | | |
| 
No Floor | | 
| 24,211 | | | 
| 21.1 | | |
| 
Total | | 
$ | 114,767 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | |
Based
on our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2025, the following table (dollars in thousands) shows the
approximate increase/(decrease) in components of net assets resulting from operations of hypothetical reference rate changes in interest
rates, assuming no changes in our investment and capital structure.
| 
Change in
Interest Rates | | 
Interest
Income(1) | | | 
Interest
Expense | | | 
Net
Increase/ 
(Decrease) | | |
| 
Up 300 basis points | | 
$ | 4,000 | | | 
$ | (2,700 | ) | | 
$ | 1,300 | | |
| 
Up 200 basis points | | 
| 2,700 | | | 
| (1,800 | ) | | 
| 900 | | |
| 
Up 100 basis points | | 
| 1,300 | | | 
| (900 | ) | | 
| 400 | | |
| 
Down 100 basis points | | 
| (1,300 | ) | | 
| 900 | | | 
| (400 | ) | |
| 
Down 200 basis points | | 
| (2,700 | ) | | 
| 1,800 | | | 
| (900 | ) | |
| 
Down 300 basis points | | 
| (4,000 | ) | | 
| 2,700 | | | 
| (1,300 | ) | |
| 
(1) | Assumes
no defaults or prepayments by portfolio companies over the next twelve months. | 
|
67
****
**Item
8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data**
**INDEX
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
| 
| 
| 
Page | |
| 
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 
| 
F-1 | |
| 
Consolidated
Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 | 
| 
F-3 | |
| 
Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 | 
| 
F-4 | |
| 
Consolidated
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 | 
| 
F-5 | |
| 
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 | 
| 
F-6 | |
| 
Consolidated
Schedules of Investments as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 | 
| 
F-7 | |
| 
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements | 
| 
F-15 | |
68
****
**Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**
To
the Shareholders and Board of Directors
PhenixFIN
Corporation:
*Opinion
on the Consolidated Financial Statements*
We
have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities of PhenixFIN Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company),
including the consolidated schedules of investments, as of September 30, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of operations,
changes in net assets, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2025 and the related notes (collectively,
the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2025, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
*Basis
for Opinion*
**
These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part
of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing
an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly,
we express no such opinion.
Our
audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether
due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence
regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Such procedures also included confirmation of securities
owned as of September 30, 2025 and 2024, by correspondence with the custodian, portfolio companies, agents, or by other appropriate auditing
procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well
as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
**
*Critical
Audit Matter*
**
The
critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that
was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material
to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication
of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are
not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or
disclosures to which it relates.
F-1
*Fair
value of investments*
**
As
discussed in Notes 2, 3 and 4 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company measures its investments at fair value. The Company
determines the fair value of investments that are not publicly traded and whose market quotations are not readily available using one
or more methodologies including the market approach and/or income approach, which requires the Company to make subjective judgments and
estimates using unobservable inputs. As of September 30, 2025, the fair value of level 3 investments was $224.2 million.
We
identified the assessment of the fair value of level 3 investments for which unobservable inputs were used as a critical audit matter.
The key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these investments related to the market yield associated with the portfolio company
used in an income approach and the selection of financial performance multiples of comparative companies used in a market approach. Evaluating
these assumptions involved a high degree of subjective auditor judgment and involvement of professionals with specialized skills and
knowledge. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of investments.
The
following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and implementation of
certain internal controls over the Companys process to estimate the fair value of level 3 investments, including controls related
to the determination of market yield and financial performance multiples assumptions. We evaluated the Companys ability to estimate
fair value by comparing prior period fair values for a selection of investments to transaction prices occurring subsequent to the prior
period valuation date. We involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge who, for a selection of the Companys
investments, assisted in evaluating the Companys estimate of fair value by developing an independent estimate of fair value using
independent market yields and financial performance multiples that were developed using relevant market and portfolio company financial
information and comparing such estimates to the fair values recorded by the Company for the selected investments.
/s/ KPMG
LLP
We have served
as the Companys auditor since 2023.
New York,
New York
December 12, 2025
F-2
****
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**Consolidated
Statements of Assets and Liabilities**
| 
| | 
September30, 2025 | | | 
September30, 2024 | | |
| 
Assets: | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
Investments at fair value | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments (amortized cost of $139,342,491 and $143,179,354 respectively) | | 
$ | 145,280,169 | | | 
$ | 142,233,426 | | |
| 
Affiliated investments (amortized cost of $35,390,223 and $20,564,242, respectively) | | 
| 35,381,405 | | | 
| 14,750,785 | | |
| 
Controlled
investments (amortized cost of $149,656,451 and $97,016,429, respectively) | | 
| 121,610,914 | | | 
| 70,931,647 | | |
| 
Total
Investments at fair value | | 
| 302,272,488 | | | 
| 227,915,858 | | |
| 
Cash
and cash equivalents | | 
| 7,289,371 | | | 
| 67,571,559 | | |
| 
Receivables: | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Interest
receivable | | 
| 1,203,404 | | | 
| 1,313,598 | | |
| 
Other
receivable | | 
| 44,971 | | | 
| 65,838 | | |
| 
Dividends
receivable | | 
| 42,950 | | | 
| 23,468 | | |
| 
Other
assets | | 
| 2,746,775 | | | 
| 1,066,323 | | |
| 
Deferred
tax asset, net | | 
| 1,234,847 | | | 
| 887,099 | | |
| 
Deferred
financing costs | | 
| 1,384,767 | | | 
| 760,680 | | |
| 
Due from
Affiliate | | 
| 572,331 | | | 
| 90,500 | | |
| 
Prepaid share repurchase | | 
| 96,342 | | | 
| 101,115 | | |
| 
Receivable
for investments sold | | 
| 21,549 | | | 
| 2,955,775 | | |
| 
Total
Assets | | 
$ | 316,909,795 | | | 
$ | 302,751,813 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Liabilities: | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Credit facility and notes payable (net of debt issuance costs of $1,141,393 and $1,510,815, respectively) | | 
$ | 148,011,724 | | | 
$ | 135,723,636 | | |
| 
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses | | 
| 4,226,889 | | | 
| 5,570,150 | | |
| 
Other
liabilities | | 
| 2,439,405 | | | 
| 294,063 | | |
| 
Interest
and fees payable | | 
| 1,187,574 | | | 
| 768,043 | | |
| 
Taxes
payable | | 
| 137,538 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Due
to Affiliate | | 
| 132,365 | | | 
| 88,148 | | |
| 
Total
Liabilities | | 
| 156,135,495 | | | 
| 142,444,040 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Commitments
and Contingencies (see Note 8) | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Net
Assets: | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Common Shares, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 2,723,709 shares issued; 2,003,769 and 2,019,778 common shares outstanding, respectively | | 
| 2,004 | | | 
| 2,020 | | |
| 
Capital in excess of par
value | | 
| 704,640,648 | | | 
| 704,909,588 | | |
| 
Total
distributable earnings (loss) | | 
| (543,868,352 | ) | | 
| (544,603,835 | ) | |
| 
Total
Net Assets | | 
| 160,774,300 | | | 
| 160,307,773 | | |
| 
Total
Liabilities and Net Assets | | 
$ | 316,909,795 | | | 
$ | 302,751,813 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Net
Asset Value Per Common Share | | 
$ | 80.24 | | | 
$ | 79.37 | | |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**Consolidated
Statements of Operations**
| 
| | 
For
the Year Ended September 30, | | |
| 
| | 
2025 | | | 
2024 | | | 
2023 | | |
| 
Interest Income: | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
Interest from investments | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
Non-controlled, non-affiliated
investments: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Cash | | 
$ | 12,190,186 | | | 
$ | 10,231,111 | | | 
$ | 8,031,539 | | |
| 
Payment in-kind | | 
| 1,355,918 | | | 
| 938,879 | | | 
| 506,555 | | |
| 
Affiliated investments: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Cash | | 
| 614,409 | | | 
| 742,881 | | | 
| 1,925,293 | | |
| 
Payment in-kind | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 460,856 | | |
| 
Controlled investments: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Cash | | 
| 2,452,227 | | | 
| 2,121,713 | | | 
| 667,312 | | |
| 
Payment
in-kind | | 
| - | | | 
| 268,831 | | | 
| 557,981 | | |
| 
Total interest income | | 
| 16,612,740 | | | 
| 14,303,415 | | | 
| 12,149,536 | | |
| 
Dividend income | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Non-controlled, non-affiliated
investments | | 
| 2,183,106 | | | 
| 2,691,393 | | | 
| 3,139,592 | | |
| 
Affiliated investments | | 
| 254,231 | | | 
| 199,388 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Controlled
investments | | 
| 5,024,928 | | | 
| 3,972,352 | | | 
| 3,716,676 | | |
| 
Total dividend income | | 
| 7,462,265 | | | 
| 6,863,133 | | | 
| 6,856,268 | | |
| 
Interest from cash and cash equivalents | | 
| 194,954 | | | 
| 500,079 | | | 
| 400,031 | | |
| 
Fee income (see Note 9) | | 
| 992,363 | | | 
| 514,949 | | | 
| 324,290 | | |
| 
Other income | | 
| - | | | 
| 22 | | | 
| 402,138 | | |
| 
Total Investment Income | | 
| 25,262,322 | | | 
| 22,181,598 | | | 
| 20,132,263 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Expenses: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Interest and financing expenses | | 
| 10,278,961 | | | 
| 6,609,473 | | | 
| 5,531,833 | | |
| 
Salaries and benefits | | 
| 5,067,324 | | | 
| 6,850,792 | | | 
| 4,186,852 | | |
| 
Professional fees, net | | 
| 1,977,541 | | | 
| 1,462,766 | | | 
| 1,404,676 | | |
| 
General and administrative
expenses | | 
| 1,239,221 | | | 
| 1,093,922 | | | 
| 983,274 | | |
| 
Directors fees | | 
| 816,000 | | | 
| 750,000 | | | 
| 728,833 | | |
| 
Administrator expenses (see
Note 6) | | 
| 404,941 | | | 
| 301,931 | | | 
| 320,310 | | |
| 
Insurance
expenses | | 
| 338,013 | | | 
| 378,854 | | | 
| 466,319 | | |
| 
Total expenses | | 
| 20,122,001 | | | 
| 17,447,738 | | | 
| 13,622,097 | | |
| 
Net Investment Income | | 
| 5,140,321 | | | 
| 4,733,860 | | | 
| 6,510,166 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Realized and unrealized
gains (losses) on investments | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Net realized gains (losses): | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Non-controlled, non-affiliated
investments | | 
| (1,618,869 | ) | | 
| 740,924 | | | 
| (10,538,228 | ) | |
| 
Affiliated investments | | 
| (10,316,867 | ) | | 
| (1,991,456 | ) | | 
| (1,018,267 | ) | |
| 
Controlled
investments | | 
| 13,230 | | | 
| 8,542,831 | | | 
| 23,456 | | |
| 
Total net realized gains
(losses) | | 
| (11,922,506 | ) | | 
| 7,292,299 | | | 
| (11,533,039 | ) | |
| 
Net change in unrealized gains (losses): | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Non-controlled, non-affiliated
investments | | 
| 6,883,606 | | | 
| 7,862,162 | | | 
| 15,954,552 | | |
| 
Affiliated investments | | 
| 5,804,639 | | | 
| 5,130,836 | | | 
| 7,327,399 | | |
| 
Controlled
investments | | 
| (1,960,755 | ) | | 
| (7,287,134 | ) | | 
| 8,659,262 | | |
| 
Total net change in unrealized
gains (losses) | | 
| 10,727,490 | | | 
| 5,705,864 | | | 
| 31,941,213 | | |
| 
Deferred tax benefit
(expense) | | 
| 210,210 | | | 
| 887,099 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Total
realized and unrealized gains (losses) | | 
| (984,806 | ) | | 
| 13,885,262 | | | 
| 20,408,174 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Net
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | | 
$ | 4,155,515 | | | 
$ | 18,619,122 | | | 
$ | 26,918,340 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Weighted average basic and diluted earnings per common share | | 
$ | 2.06 | | | 
$ | 9.13 | | | 
$ | 12.87 | | |
| 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
- basic and diluted (see Note 11) | | 
| 2,015,157 | | | 
| 2,040,253 | | | 
| 2,092,326 | | |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**Consolidated
Statements of Changes in Net Assets**
****
| 
| | 
Common
Stock | | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
| | 
Shares | | | 
Par
Amount | | | 
Capital
in Excess of Par Value | | | 
Total
Distributable Earnings/(Loss) | | | 
Total
NetAssets | | |
| 
Balance at September 30, 2022 | | 
| 2,102,129 | | | 
$ | 2,102 | | | 
$ | 675,401,802 | | | 
$ | (554,558,496 | ) | | 
$ | 120,845,408 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
OPERATIONS | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Net investment income
(loss) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 6,510,166 | | | 
| 6,510,166 | | |
| 
Net
realized gains (losses) on investments | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (11,533,039 | ) | | 
| (11,533,039 | ) | |
| 
Net
change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 31,941,213 | | | 
| 31,941,213 | | |
| 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Repurchase of common shares | | 
| (28,416 | ) | | 
| (28 | ) | | 
| (1,058,185 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| (1,058,213 | ) | |
| 
Tax
reclassification of shareholders equity in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 20,468,622 | | | 
| (20,468,622 | ) | | 
| - | | |
| 
Total
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | 
| (28,416 | ) | | 
| (28 | ) | | 
| 19,410,437 | | | 
| 6,449,718 | | | 
| 25,860,127 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Balance at September 30, 2023 | | 
| 2,073,713 | | | 
| 2,074 | | | 
| 694,812,239 | | | 
| (548,108,778 | ) | | 
| 146,705,535 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
OPERATIONS | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Net investment income
(loss) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 4,733,860 | | | 
| 4,733,860 | | |
| 
Net
realized gains (losses) on investments | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 7,292,299 | | | 
| 7,292,299 | | |
| 
Net
change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 5,705,864 | | | 
| 5,705,864 | | |
| 
Deferred tax benefit
(expense) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 887,099 | | | 
| 887,099 | | |
| 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Distributions declared | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (2,645,925 | ) | | 
| (2,645,925 | ) | |
| 
Repurchase of common shares | | 
| (53,935 | ) | | 
| (54 | ) | | 
| (2,370,905 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| (2,370,959 | ) | |
| 
Tax
reclassification of shareholders equity in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 12,468,254 | | | 
| (12,468,254 | ) | | 
| - | | |
| 
Total
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | 
| (53,935 | ) | | 
| (54 | ) | | 
| 10,097,349 | | | 
| 3,504,943 | | | 
| 13,602,238 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Balance at September 30, 2024 | | 
| 2,019,778 | | | 
| 2,020 | | | 
| 704,909,588 | | | 
| (544,603,835 | ) | | 
| 160,307,773 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
OPERATIONS | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Net investment income
(loss) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 5,140,321 | | | 
| 5,140,321 | | |
| 
Net
realized gains (losses) on investments | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (11,922,506 | ) | | 
| (11,922,506 | ) | |
| 
Net
change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 10,727,490 | | | 
| 10,727,490 | | |
| 
Deferred tax benefit
(expense) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 210,210 | | | 
| 210,210 | | |
| 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Distributions declared | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (2,888,283 | ) | | 
| (2,888,283 | ) | |
| 
Repurchase of common shares | | 
| (16,009 | ) | | 
| (16 | ) | | 
| (800,689 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| (800,705 | ) | |
| 
Tax
reclassification of shareholders equity in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 531,749 | | | 
| (531,749 | ) | | 
| - | | |
| 
Total
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | 
| (16,009 | ) | | 
| (16 | ) | | 
| (268,940 | ) | | 
| 735,483 | | | 
| 466,527 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Balance at September
30, 2025 | | 
| 2,003,769 | | | 
$ | 2,004 | | | 
$ | 704,640,648 | | | 
$ | (543,868,352 | ) | | 
$ | 160,774,300 | | |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
****
F-5
****
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows**
| 
| | 
For
the Year Ended September 30, | | |
| 
| | 
2025 | | | 
2024 | | | 
2023 | | |
| 
Cash Flows from Operating
Activities: | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | 
$ | 4,155,515 | | | 
| 18,619,122 | | | 
$ | 26,918,340 | | |
| 
Adjustments
to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Proceeds
from sale and settlements of investments | | 
| 100,348,370 | | | 
| 112,313,260 | | | 
| 66,642,920 | | |
| 
Purchases,
originations and participations | | 
| (173,921,300 | ) | | 
| (99,173,887 | ) | | 
| (76,652,712 | ) | |
| 
Investment
increases due to payment-in-kind interest | | 
| (1,355,918 | ) | | 
| (1,207,710 | ) | | 
| (1,525,392 | ) | |
| 
Net
amortization of premium (discount) on investments | | 
| (622,798 | ) | | 
| (388,667 | ) | | 
| (1,560,684 | ) | |
| 
Amortization
of debt issuance cost | | 
| 369,422 | | | 
| 347,908 | | | 
| 370,329 | | |
| 
Amortization
of deferred financing cost | | 
| 559,419 | | | 
| 565,619 | | | 
| 286,597 | | |
| 
Net
realized (gains) losses from investments | | 
| 11,922,506 | | | 
| (7,292,299 | ) | | 
| 11,533,039 | | |
| 
Net
unrealized (gains) losses on investments | | 
| (10,727,490 | ) | | 
| (5,705,864 | ) | | 
| (31,941,213 | ) | |
| 
(Increase)
decrease in operating assets: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Interest
receivable | | 
| 110,194 | | | 
| (342,483 | ) | | 
| (243,539 | ) | |
| 
Paydown
receivable | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 112,500 | | |
| 
Other
receivable | | 
| 20,867 | | | 
| (34,413 | ) | | 
| 5,567 | | |
| 
Dividends
receivable | | 
| (19,482 | ) | | 
| 138,011 | | | 
| 107,851 | | |
| 
Due
from affiliate | | 
| (481,831 | ) | | 
| 318,714 | | | 
| (137,252 | ) | |
| 
Other
assets | | 
| (1,680,452 | ) | | 
| (233,323 | ) | | 
| 359,677 | | |
| 
Prepaid share repurchase | | 
| 4,773 | | | 
| 97,904 | | | 
| 290,137 | | |
| 
Receivable
for investments sold | | 
| 2,934,226 | | | 
| 984,400 | | | 
| (3,940,175 | ) | |
| 
Provision
for deferred taxes on unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments | | 
| (347,748 | ) | | 
| (887,099 | ) | | 
| - | | |
| 
Taxes
payable | | 
| 137,538 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Increase
(decrease) in operating liabilities: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses | | 
| (1,343,261 | ) | | 
| 2,503,166 | | | 
| 1,026,707 | | |
| 
Interest
and fees payable | | 
| 419,531 | | | 
| 77,645 | | | 
| 187,273 | | |
| 
Other
liabilities | | 
| 2,145,342 | | | 
| (138,635 | ) | | 
| (140,251 | ) | |
| 
Deferred
revenue | | 
| - | | | 
| (421,685 | ) | | 
| 96,083 | | |
| 
Due
to Affiliate | | 
| 44,217 | | | 
| 88,148 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Payable
for investments purchased | | 
| - | | | 
| (4,123,059 | ) | | 
| (12,426,941 | ) | |
| 
Administrator
expenses payable | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (74,911 | ) | |
| 
Net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | 
| (67,328,360 | ) | | 
| 16,104,773 | | | 
| (20,706,050 | ) | |
| 
Cash
Flows from Financing Activities: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Debt
issuance | | 
| 55,418,666 | | | 
| 76,471,498 | | | 
| 36,441,941 | | |
| 
Paydowns
on debt | | 
| (43,500,000 | ) | | 
| (25,178,988 | ) | | 
| (30,521,800 | ) | |
| 
Debt
issuance costs paid | | 
| - | | | 
| (169,888 | ) | | 
| - | | |
| 
Deferred
financing costs | | 
| (1,183,506 | ) | | 
| (627,175 | ) | | 
| (935,721 | ) | |
| 
Distributions
paid to shareholders | | 
| (2,888,283 | ) | | 
| (2,645,925 | ) | | 
| - | | |
| 
Repurchase
of common shares | | 
| (800,705 | ) | | 
| (2,370,959 | ) | | 
| (1,058,213 | ) | |
| 
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | 
| 7,046,172 | | | 
| 45,478,563 | | | 
| 3,926,207 | | |
| 
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | 
| (60,282,188 | ) | | 
| 61,583,336 | | | 
| (16,779,843 | ) | |
| 
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | 
| 67,571,559 | | | 
| 5,988,223 | | | 
| 22,768,066 | | |
| 
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of period | | 
$ | 7,289,371 | | | 
| 67,571,559 | | | 
$ | 5,988,223 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Supplemental
information: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Interest
paid during the period | | 
$ | 8,762,139 | | | 
| 5,532,959 | | | 
$ | 4,647,166 | | |
| 
Non-cash
purchase of investments | | 
$ | 12,665,596 | | | 
| 45,900,000 | | | 
$ | - | | |
| 
Non-cash
sale of investments | | 
$ | 12,665,596 | | | 
| 45,900,000 | | | 
$ | - | | |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
****
F-6
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**Consolidated
Schedule of Investments**
**As
of September 30, 2025**
| Company(1) | | Industry | | Type of Investment | | Maturity | | Par Amount/ Shares/Units(2) | | | Amortized Cost(3) | | | Fair Value(4) | | | % ofNet Assets(5) | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adamas Trust, Inc.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity -221,469 Class E Preferred Units(13)(24) | | | | $ | 221,469 | | | $ | 5,510,240 | | | $ | 5,565,516 | | | | 3.45 | % | |
| | | | | Equity - 17,243 Class F Preferred Units(13)(18) | | | | | 17,243 | | | | 375,635 | | | | 392,278 | | | | 0.24 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 238,712 | | | | 5,885,875 | | | | 5,957,794 | | | | 3.69 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Altisource S.A.R.L.(11) | | Services: Business | | Senior Secured First Lien Term LoanB (SOFR + CSA + 6.50%)(14)(20)(24)(27) | | 4/30/2030 | | | 8,040,718 | | | | 8,460,009 | | | | 8,322,143 | | | | 5.18 | % | |
| | | | | Equity - 547,180 Units(13)(21) | | | | | 547,180 | | | | 3,327,909 | | | | 6,380,119 | | | | 3.97 | % | |
| | | | | Warrants(13)(21) | | 4/2/2029 | | | 111,343 | | | | 647,105 | | | | 77,940 | | | | 0.05 | % | |
| | | | | Warrants(13)(21) | | 4/30/2032 | | | 111,343 | | | | 622,110 | | | | 64,579 | | | | 0.04 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 8,810,584 | | | | 13,057,133 | | | | 14,844,781 | | | | 9.24 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Boostability Seotowncenter, Inc. | | Services: Business | | Equity - 833,152 Common Units(21) | | | | | 833,152 | | | | 66,475 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 833,152 | | | | 66,475 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| CB&L Associates Holdco I, LLC(11) | | Real Estate | | First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor)(14)(20)(23)(29) | | 11/1/2025 | | | 2,879,525 | | | | 2,419,049 | | | | 2,753,546 | | | | 1.71 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2,879,525 | | | | 2,419,049 | | | | 2,753,546 | | | | 1.71 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Chimera Investment Corp.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity - 151,710 Class C Preferred Units(13)(15) | | | | | 151,710 | | | | 3,635,972 | | | | 3,504,501 | | | | 2.18 | % | |
| | | | | Equity - 26,133 Class B Preferred Units(13)(24) | | | | | 26,133 | | | | 635,531 | | | | 629,544 | | | | 0.39 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 177,843 | | | | 4,271,503 | | | | 4,134,045 | | | | 2.57 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Compass Diversified Holdings(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity - 22,049 Series C Preferred Units(13)(28) | | | | | 22,049 | | | | 381,008 | | | | 405,702 | | | | 0.25 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 22,049 | | | | 381,008 | | | | 405,702 | | | | 0.25 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust | | Real Estate | | Equity Certificates(13) | | | | | 637,795 | | | | 7,200,434 | | | | 7,915,036 | | | | 4.92 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 637,795 | | | | 7,200,434 | | | | 7,915,036 | | | | 4.92 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity - 50,000 Common Units(13) | | | | | 50,000 | | | | 498,155 | | | | 543,000 | | | | 0.34 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 50,000 | | | | 498,155 | | | | 543,000 | | | | 0.34 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Innovate Corp.(11) | | Construction & Building | | 10.50% Senior Secured Notes(14) | | 2/1/2027 | | | 4,558,125 | | | | 4,022,788 | | | | 4,033,941 | | | | 2.51 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 4,558,125 | | | | 4,022,788 | | | | 4,033,941 | | | | 2.51 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity - 180,000 Common Units(13) | | | | | 180,000 | | | | 1,411,789 | | | | 1,360,800 | | | | 0.85 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 180,000 | | | | 1,411,789 | | | | 1,360,800 | | | | 0.85 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NGS-WCS Group Holdings | | Construction & Building | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B (SOFR + 4.75%, 0.50% Floor)(23) | | 5/31/2030 | | | 987,500 | | | | 983,422 | | | | 997,375 | | | | 0.62 | % | |
| JFL-NGS-WCS Partners, LLC | | | | Equity - 10,000,000 Units(21) | | | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 13,100,000 | | | | 8.15 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 10,987,500 | | | | 10,983,422 | | | | 14,097,375 | | | | 8.77 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Kemmerer Operations, LLC | | Metals & Mining | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 5.00%)(24) | | 12/31/2028 | | | 8,762,782 | | | | 8,762,782 | | | | 8,762,782 | | | | 5.45 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 8,762,782 | | | | 8,762,782 | | | | 8,762,782 | | | | 5.45 | % | |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
****
F-7
****
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**Consolidated
Schedule of Investments (continued)**
**As
of September 30, 2025**
| Company(1) | | Industry | | Type of Investment | | Maturity | | Par Amount/ Shares/Units(2) | | | Amortized Cost(3) | | | Fair Value(4) | | | % ofNet Assets(5) | | |
| Lucky Bucks, LLC (dba Arc Gaming & Technologies, LLC) | | Consumer Discretionary | | Priority Second Out Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 7.50%, 5.00% PIK, 1.00% Floor)(20)(25) | | 10/2/2029 | | $ | 2,143,683 | | | $ | 1,998,121 | | | $ | 1,993,625 | | | | 1.24 | % | |
| | | | | Priority First Out Exit Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor)(20)(25) | | 10/2/2028 | | | 1,514,302 | | | | 1,410,541 | | | | 1,514,302 | | | | 0.94 | % | |
| LB NewHoldCo, LLC | | | | Equity - 230,739 Membership Units(21) | | | | | 230,739 | | | | 449,393 | | | | 994,485 | | | | 0.62 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 3,888,724 | | | | 3,858,055 | | | | 4,502,412 | | | | 2.80 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| MFA Financial, Inc.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity - 114,695 Class C Preferred Units(13)(24) | | | | | 114,695 | | | | 2,800,579 | | | | 2,737,770 | | | | 1.70 | % | |
| | | | | Equity - 70,000 Common Units(13) | | | | | 70,000 | | | | 714,994 | | | | 643,300 | | | | 0.40 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 184,695 | | | | 3,515,573 | | | | 3,381,070 | | | | 2.10 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Neptune Bidco US, Inc. (dba Nielsen) | | Media: Broadcasting & Subscription | | First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 5.00%, 0.50% Floor)(14)(20)(24) | | 4/11/2029 | | | 2,967,133 | | | | 2,786,574 | | | | 2,822,486 | | | | 1.76 | % | |
| | | | | 9.29% Senior Secured Note(14) | | 4/15/2029 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,676,250 | | | | 3,910,000 | | | | 2.43 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 6,967,133 | | | | 6,462,824 | | | | 6,732,486 | | | | 4.19 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Onity Group Inc.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity - 200,000 Preferred Units(28) | | | | | 200,000 | | | | 3,925,000 | | | | 3,948,000 | | | | 2.46 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 200,000 | | | | 3,925,000 | | | | 3,948,000 | | | | 2.46 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| PHH Mortgage Corp. | | Real Estate | | 9.875% Senior Secured Note(14) | | 11/1/2029 | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,343,050 | | | | 2,515,625 | | | | 1.56 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,343,050 | | | | 2,515,625 | | | | 1.56 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Power Stop LLC | | Automotive | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 4.75%, 0.50% Floor)(14)(20)(24) | | 1/26/2029 | | | 9,704,216 | | | | 8,504,727 | | | | 7,860,415 | | | | 4.89 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 9,704,216 | | | | 8,504,727 | | | | 7,860,415 | | | | 4.89 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| PREIT Associates | | Real Estate | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 7.00%)(14)(23) | | 4/1/2029 | | | 56,201 | | | | 55,077 | | | | 57,606 | | | | 0.04 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured Revolving Note (SOFR + 5.50%)(8)(23) | | 12/31/2028 | | | 73,083 | | | | 72,230 | | | | 71,251 | | | | 0.04 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 129,284 | | | | 127,307 | | | | 128,857 | | | | 0.08 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| PSB Group, LLC | | Services: Consumer | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 6.50%, 1.00% Floor)(23) | | 4/17/2030 | | | 5,706,618 | | | | 5,679,996 | | | | 5,706,618 | | | | 3.55 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Revolver (SOFR + 6.50%, 1.00% Floor)(8)(12)(23) | | 4/17/2030 | | | 293,137 | | | | 293,137 | | | | 293,137 | | | | 0.18 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 5,999,755 | | | | 5,973,133 | | | | 5,999,755 | | | | 3.73 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Redwood Trust Inc.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity - 165,000 Common Units(13) | | | | | 165,000 | | | | 1,012,942 | | | | 955,350 | | | | 0.59 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 165,000 | | | | 1,012,942 | | | | 955,350 | | | | 0.59 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| SS Acquisition, LLC (dba Soccer Shots Franchising) | | Services: Consumer | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 5.75%, 1.00% Floor)(23) | | 12/20/2029 | | | 13,469,643 | | | | 13,404,028 | | | | 13,469,643 | | | | 8.38 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Revolver (SOFR + 5.75%, 1.00% Floor)(8)(12)(23) | | 12/20/2029 | | | 400,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 0.25 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 13,869,643 | | | | 13,804,028 | | | | 13,869,643 | | | | 8.63 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Stancor (dba Industrial Flow Solutions Holdings, LLC) | | Services: Business | | Equity - 358,867 Class A Units(21) | | | | | 358,867 | | | | 345,491 | | | | 314,132 | | | | 0.20 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 358,867 | | | | 345,491 | | | | 314,132 | | | | 0.20 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Spotter Inc. | | High Tech Industries | | Equity - Series D-1 Preferred Stock(21) | | | | | 414,293 | | | | 5,999,998 | | | | 5,999,998 | | | | 3.73 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 414,293 | | | | 5,999,998 | | | | 5,999,998 | | | | 3.73 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Staples, Inc. | | Services: Consumer | | First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 5.75%, 0.50% Floor)(14)(24) | | 9/1/2029 | | | 3,960,000 | | | | 3,830,925 | | | | 3,742,200 | | | | 2.33 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 3,960,000 | | | | 3,830,925 | | | | 3,742,200 | | | | 2.33 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tamarix Capital Partners II, L.P.(11) | | Banking | | Fund Investment(8)(21) | | | | | N/A | | | | 2,194,384 | | | | 2,227,463 | | | | 1.39 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | - | | | | 2,194,384 | | | | 2,227,463 | | | | 1.39 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Thryv Holdings, Inc.(11) | | Media: Broadcasting & Subscription | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 6.75%, 1.00% Floor)(14)(23) | | 5/1/2029 | | | 2,025,000 | | | | 2,009,375 | | | | 2,027,531 | | | | 1.26 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2,025,000 | | | | 2,009,375 | | | | 2,027,531 | | | | 1.26 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| WHI Global, LLC | | Aerospace & Defense | | Senior Secured Revolving Note(SOFR + CSA + 8.75%, 3.00% Floor)(8)(12)(20)(23) | | 4/17/2029 | | | 884,053 | | | | 863,075 | | | | 876,097 | | | | 0.54 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan(SOFR + CSA + 8.75%, 3.00% Floor)(20)(23) | | 4/17/2029 | | | 12,369,840 | | | | 12,256,814 | | | | 12,258,511 | | | | 7.62 | % | |
| Wingman Holdings, Inc. | | | | Equity - 350 Common Shares(21) | | | | | 350 | | | | 700,000 | | | | 483,284 | | | | 0.30 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 13,254,243 | | | | 13,819,889 | | | | 13,617,892 | | | | 8.46 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| XYZ Roofco, LLC (dba SMC Roofing Solutions LLC) | | Services: Consumer | | First Out Term Loan (SOFR + 3.50%, 2.00% Floor)(24) | | 10/16/2028 | | | 618,546 | | | | 623,442 | | | | 618,546 | | | | 0.38 | % | |
| | | | | First Out Delayed Draw Term Loan (SOFR + 3.50%, 2.00% Floor)(24) | | 10/16/2028 | | | 30,950 | | | | 31,933 | | | | 31,128 | | | | 0.02 | % | |
| | | | | Last Out Term Loan (SOFR + 6.25% + 2.75% First Out Skim, 2.00% Floor)(24) | | 10/16/2028 | | | 1,863,568 | | | | 1,859,920 | | | | 1,858,909 | | | | 1.16 | % | |
| | | | | Last Out Delayed Draw Term Loan (SOFR + 6.25% + 2.75% First Out Skim, 2.00% Floor)(24) | | 10/16/2028 | | | 140,082 | | | | 140,082 | | | | 139,955 | | | | 0.09 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2,653,146 | | | | 2,655,377 | | | | 2,648,538 | | | | 1.65 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments | | | | | | | | | 104,412,066 | | | $ | 139,342,491 | | | $ | 145,280,169 | | | | 90.35 | % | |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**Consolidated
Schedule of Investments (continued)**
**As
of September 30, 2025**
| Company(1) | | Industry | | Type of Investment | | Maturity | | Par Amount/ Shares/Units(2) | | | Amortized Cost(3) | | | Fair Value(4) | | | % ofNet Assets(5) | | |
| Affiliated Investments:(6) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Advocates for Disabled Vets, LLC (dba Reps for Vets) | | Services: Consumer | | 12% Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 3/7/2030 | | | 8,932,500 | | | | 8,770,471 | | | | 8,798,513 | | | | 5.47 | % | |
| | | | | Equity - 3,375,000 Units(21) | | | | | 3,375,000 | | | | 3,375,000 | | | | 3,359,511 | | | | 2.09 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 12,307,500 | | | | 12,145,471 | | | | 12,158,024 | | | | 7.56 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| FST Holdings Parent, LLC | | High Tech Industries | | Equity - 625,548 Class A Units(17) | | | | | 625,548 | | | | 10,008,289 | | | | 10,960,741 | | | | 6.82 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 625,548 | | | | 10,008,289 | | | | 10,960,741 | | | | 6.82 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| MB Precision Investment Holdings LLC | | Aerospace & Defense | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan(SOFR + CSA + 8.00%, 4.00% Floor)(20)(24)(27) | | 9/30/2028 | | | 6,843,380 | | | | 6,696,228 | | | | 6,398,561 | | | | 3.98 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured Delayed Draw Term Loan(SOFR + CSA + 10.00%, 4.00% Floor)(8)(20)(24)(27) | | 10/1/2028 | | | 505,470 | | | | 468,621 | | | | 490,306 | | | | 0.30 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Revolver(SOFR + CSA + 8.00%, 4.00% Floor)(8)(12)(20)(24)(27) | | 9/30/2028 | | | 2,112,671 | | | | 2,077,048 | | | | 1,975,347 | | | | 1.23 | % | |
| | | | | Equity - Class E Preferred Units(21)(27) | | | | | 4,106,076 | | | | 3,167,157 | | | | 2,725,408 | | | | 1.70 | % | |
| | | | | Warrants - 2.28% of Outstanding Equity(21) | | | | | 3,380,282 | | | | 827,409 | | | | 673,018 | | | | 0.42 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 16,947,879 | | | | 13,236,463 | | | | 12,262,640 | | | | 7.63 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal Affiliated Investments | | | | | | | | | 29,880,927 | | | $ | 35,390,223 | | | $ | 35,381,405 | | | | 22.01 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Controlled Investments:(7) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ECC Capital Corp. | | Real Estate | | Equity - 84,000,000 Units(13)(21) | | | | | 84,000,000 | | | $ | 4,257,002 | | | $ | 6,636,000 | | | | 4.13 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured Promissory Note (SOFR + 5.00%, 0.00% Floor)(24) | | 12/31/2031 | | | 6,997,012 | | | | 6,997,012 | | | | 6,997,012 | | | | 4.35 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 90,997,012 | | | | 11,254,014 | | | | 13,633,012 | | | | 8.48 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| FlexFIN, LLC | | Services: Business | | Equity Interest | | | | | 37,180,761 | | | | 37,180,761 | | | | 37,180,761 | | | | 23.13 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 37,180,761 | | | | 37,180,761 | | | | 37,180,761 | | | | 23.13 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NSG Captive, Inc. | | Insurance | | Equity - 100,000 Units(9)(21) | | | | | 100,000 | | | | 49,255,076 | | | | 48,469,540 | | | | 30.15 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 100,000 | | | | 49,255,076 | | | | 48,469,540 | | | | 30.15 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NVTN LLC | | Hotel, Gaming & Leisure | | Senior Secured Revolving Note (SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor)(23) | | 12/31/2026 | | | 8,900,000 | | | | 9,029,539 | | | | 8,900,000 | | | | 5.54 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B(AFR)(26) | | 12/31/2026 | | | 17,552,420 | | | | 13,916,082 | | | | 13,427,601 | | | | 8.35 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan C (SOFR + 12.00% PIK, 2.00% Floor)(10) | | 12/31/2026 | | | 11,506,159 | | | | 7,570,055 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | Equity - 1,000 Class A Units(21) | | | | | 1,000 | | | | 21,450,924 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 37,959,579 | | | | 51,966,600 | | | | 22,327,601 | | | | 13.89 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal Controlled Investments | | | | | | | | | 166,237,352 | | | $ | 149,656,451 | | | $ | 121,610,914 | | | | 75.65 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Total Investments,September 30,2025 | | | | | | | 300,530,345 | | | $ | 324,389,165 | | | $ | 302,272,488 | | | | 188.01 | % | |
| (1) | Substantially all of our investments are domiciled in the United States. Certain investments also have international operations. | |
F-9
| (2) | Par amount is presented for debt investments and the amount includes accumulated payment-in-kind (PIK) interest, as applicable, and is net of repayments, while the number of shares or units owned is presented for equity investments. Par amount is denominated in U.S. Dollars ($) unless otherwise noted. | |
| (3) | Net unrealized depreciation for U.S. federal income tax purposes totaled $(22,116,677). | |
| | The tax cost basis of investments is $323,885,351 as of September 30, 2025. | |
| | The amortized cost represents the original cost adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premium or discount, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method. | |
| (4) | Unless otherwise indicated, all securities are valued using significant unobservable inputs, which are categorized as Level 3 assets under the definition of ASC 820 fair value hierarchy (see Note 4). | |
| (5) | Percentage is based on net assets of $160,774,300 as of September 30, 2025. | |
| (6) | Affiliated Investments are defined by the 1940 Act as investments in companies in which the Company owns between 5% and 25% outstanding voting securities or is under common control with such portfolio company. | |
| (7) | Control Investments are defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as investments in companies in which the Company owns more than 25% of the voting securities or maintains greater than 50% of the board representation. | |
| (8) | The investment has an unfunded commitment as of September 30, 2025 (see Note 8), and fair value includes the value of any unfunded commitments. The negative cost, if applicable, is the result of the capitalized discount being greater than the principal amount outstanding on the loan. The negative fair value, if applicable, is the result of the capitalized discount on the loan. | |
| (9) | NSG Captive, Inc. owns 80% of National Security Group Holdings Inc. | |
| (10) | The investment was on non-accrual status as of September 30, 2025. | |
| (11) | The investment is not a qualifying asset as defined under Section 55(a) of 1940 Act, in a whole, or in part. As of September 30, 2025, non-qualifying assets represented 14.70% of total assets. | |
| (12) | This investment earns 0.50% commitment fee on all unused commitment as of September 30, 2025, and is recorded as a component of interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. | |
| (13) | This investment represents a Level 1 security in the ASC 820 table as of September 30, 2025 (see Note 4). | |
| (14) | This investment represents a Level 2 security in the ASC 820 table as of September 30, 2025 (see Note 4). | |
| (15) | The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and shifted to 3 month SOFR plus a CSA of 0.262% plus a 4.743% spread on 9/30/2025. | |
| (16) | The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month SOFR plus a CSA of 0.262% plus a 5.29% spread on 9/27/2027. | |
| (17) | The investment is held through PhenixFIN Investment Holdings FST, LLC. | |
| (18) | The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month SOFR plus a CSA of 0.262% plus a 6.130% spread on 10/15/2026. | |
| (19) | The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to a rate equal to the five-year US Treasury Rate plus a 6.278% spread on 4/15/2028 | |
| (20) | Credit Spread Adjustment (CSA) | |
| (21) | Non-income producing security. | |
| (22) | The investment is valued using NAV as a practical expedient. | |
| (23) | The interest rate on these securities is subject to 1 month SOFR, which as of September 30, 2025 was 4.13% | |
| (24) | The interest rate on these securities is subject to 3 month SOFR, which as of September 30, 2025 was 3.98%. | |
| (25) | The interest rate on these securities is subject to 6 month SOFR, which as of September 30, 2025 was 3.85%. | |
| (26) | The interest rate on these securities is subject to the monthly Applicable Federal Rate, which as of September 30, 2025 was 3.93%. | |
| (27) | The investment includes an exit fee that is receivable upon repayment of the loan. See Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies. | |
| (28) | The interest rate on this preferred equity is 7.875% | |
| (29) | On November 1, 2025, the maturity date of this investment was extended to 11/1/2026. | |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-10
****
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**Consolidated
Schedule of Investments**
**As
of September 30, 2024**
| Company(1) | | Industry | | Type of Investment | | Maturity | | Par Amount/ Shares/Units(2) | | | Amortized Cost(3) | | | Fair Value(4) | | | % ofNet Assets(5) | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| All Around Roustabout, LLC | | Energy: Oil & Gas | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan C | | 8/31/2026 | | $ | 350,000 | | | $ | 196,411 | | | $ | 350,000 | | | | 0.22 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 350,000 | | | | 196,411 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 0.22 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Altisource S.A.R.L.(11) | | Services: Business | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B(SOFR + CSA + 5.00%, 3.75% PIK)(20)(24) | | 4/30/2025 | | | 14,004,684 | | | | 11,029,605 | | | | 9,565,199 | | | | 5.97 | % | |
| | | | | Warrants(21) | | 5/22/2027 | | | 97,899 | | | | - | | | | 82,725 | | | | 0.05 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 14,102,583 | | | | 11,029,605 | | | | 9,647,924 | | | | 6.02 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Arcline FM Holdings, LLC | | Aerospace & Defense | | First Lien Term Loans (SOFR + 4.50%, 0.75% Floor)(14)(25) | | 6/23/2028 | | | 2,658,987 | | | | 2,571,184 | | | | 2,660,649 | | | | 1.66 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2,658,987 | | | | 2,571,184 | | | | 2,660,649 | | | | 1.66 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Blufox Mobile Services | | Services: Consumer | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 9.50% + 4.00% PIK Toggle, 4.00% Floor)(23) | | 4/12/2028 | | | 7,111,139 | | | | 7,047,816 | | | | 7,111,139 | | | | 4.44 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 7,111,139 | | | | 7,047,816 | | | | 7,111,139 | | | | 4.44 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Boostability Seotowncenter, Inc. | | Services: Business | | Equity - 833,152 Common Units(21) | | | | | 833,152 | | | | 66,475 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 833,152 | | | | 66,475 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| CB&L Associates Holdco I, LLC(11) | | Real Estate | | First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA+ 2.75%, 1.00% Floor)(14)(20)(23) | | 11/1/2025 | | | 5,384,063 | | | | 4,541,408 | | | | 5,034,099 | | | | 3.14 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 5,384,063 | | | | 4,541,408 | | | | 5,034,099 | | | | 3.14 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Chimera Investment Corp.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity - 137,310 Class C Preferred Units(13)(15) | | | | | 137,310 | | | | 3,343,083 | | | | 3,110,072 | | | | 1.94 | % | |
| | | | | Equity - 105,480 Class D Preferred Units(13)(24) | | | | | 105,480 | | | | 2,305,206 | | | | 2,561,054 | | | | 1.60 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 242,790 | | | | 5,648,289 | | | | 5,671,126 | | | | 3.54 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust | | Real Estate | | Equity Certificates(13) | | | | | 637,795 | | | | 7,678,355 | | | | 7,664,893 | | | | 4.78 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 637,795 | | | | 7,678,355 | | | | 7,664,893 | | | | 4.78 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| DirecTV Financing, LLC | | Media: Broadcasting & Subscription | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 5.00%, 0.75% Floor)(14)(20)(23) | | 8/2/2027 | | | 3,639,523 | | | | 3,641,793 | | | | 3,639,523 | | | | 2.27 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 5.25%, 0.75% Floor)(14)(20)(23) | | 8/2/2029 | | | 932,500 | | | | 921,969 | | | | 916,764 | | | | 0.57 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 4,572,023 | | | | 4,563,762 | | | | 4,556,287 | | | | 2.84 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Epic Y-Grade Services, LP | | Energy: Oil & Gas | | First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 5.75%, 0.00% Floor)(14)(23) | | 6/30/2029 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,906,938 | | | | 3,982,500 | | | | 2.48 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,906,938 | | | | 3,982,500 | | | | 2.48 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| First Brands Group, LLC | | Automotive | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 5.00%, 1.00% Floor)(14)(20)(24) | | 3/30/2027 | | | 3,879,397 | | | | 3,879,397 | | | | 3,830,905 | | | | 2.39 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 3,879,397 | | | | 3,879,397 | | | | 3,830,905 | | | | 2.39 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity - 66,107 Common Units(13) | | | | | 66,107 | | | | 907,782 | | | | 863,357 | | | | 0.54 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 66,107 | | | | 907,782 | | | | 863,357 | | | | 0.54 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Global Accessories Group, LLC | | Consumer goods: Non-durable | | Equity - 3.8% Membership Interest(21) | | | | | 380 | | | | 151,337 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 380 | | | | 151,337 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Innovate Corp.(11) | | Construction & Building | | 8.50% Senior Secured Notes(14) | | 2/1/2026 | | | 4,250,000 | | | | 3,714,663 | | | | 3,392,031 | | | | 2.12 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 4,250,000 | | | | 3,714,663 | | | | 3,392,031 | | | | 2.12 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity - 192,300 Class C Preferred Units(13)(16) | | | | | 192,300 | | | | 4,725,994 | | | | 4,624,815 | | | | 2.88 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 192,300 | | | | 4,725,994 | | | | 4,624,815 | | | | 2.88 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NGS-WCS Group Holdings | | Construction & Building | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B (SOFR + 4.75%, 0.50% Floor)(23) | | 5/31/2030 | | | 997,500 | | | | 992,748 | | | | 1,002,488 | | | | 0.63 | % | |
| JFL-NGS-WCS Partners, LLC | | Construction & Building | | Equity - 10,000,000 Units(21) | | | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 12,700,000 | | | | 7.92 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 10,997,500 | | | | 10,992,748 | | | | 13,702,488 | | | | 8.55 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Kemmerer Operations, LLC | | Metals & Mining | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 5.00%, 0.00% Floor)(24) | | 12/31/2028 | | | 12,161,321 | | | | 12,161,321 | | | | 12,161,321 | | | | 7.59 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 12,161,321 | | | | 12,161,321 | | | | 12,161,321 | | | | 7.59 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Lighting Science Group Corporation | | Containers, Packaging & Glass | | Warrants - 0.62% of Outstanding Equity(21) | | | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 955,680 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 955,680 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-11
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**Consolidated
Schedule of Investments (continued)**
**As
of September 30, 2024**
| Company(1) | | Industry | | Type of Investment | | Maturity | | Par Amount/ Shares/Units(2) | | | Amortized Cost(3) | | | Fair Value(4) | | | % ofNet Assets(5) | | |
| Lucky Bucks, LLC | | Consumer Discretionary | | Priority Second Out Term Loan(SOFR + CSA + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor)(20)(23) | | 10/2/2029 | | $ | 1,351,031 | | | $ | 1,324,010 | | | $ | 1,351,031 | | | | 0.84 | % | |
| | | | | Priority First Out Exit Term Loan(SOFR + CSA + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor)(20)(23) | | 10/2/2028 | | | 684,370 | | | | 621,820 | | | | 684,370 | | | | 0.43 | % | |
| LB NewHoldCo, LLC | | | | Equity - 180,739 Membership Units(21) | | | | | 180,739 | | | | 174,393 | | | | 1,420,305 | | | | 0.89 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2,216,140 | | | | 2,120,223 | | | | 3,455,706 | | | | 2.16 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| McKissock Investment Holdings, LLC (dba Colibri) | | Services: Consumer | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 5.00%, 0.75% Floor)(14)(20)(24) | | 3/10/2029 | | | 4,874,543 | | | | 4,840,100 | | | | 4,868,450 | | | | 3.04 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 4,874,543 | | | | 4,840,100 | | | | 4,868,450 | | | | 3.04 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| MFA Financial, Inc.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity - 97,426 Class C Preferred Units(13)(19) | | | | | 97,426 | | | | 2,318,487 | | | | 2,308,996 | | | | 1.44 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 97,426 | | | | 2,318,487 | | | | 2,308,996 | | | | 1.44 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Neptune Bidco US, Inc. (dba Nielsen) | | Media: Broadcasting & Subscription | | First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 5.00%, 0.50% Floor)(14)(20)(24) | | 4/11/2029 | | | 1,994,949 | | | | 1,885,227 | | | | 1,865,278 | | | | 1.16 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 1,994,949 | | | | 1,885,227 | | | | 1,865,278 | | | | 1.16 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.(11) | | Real Estate | | Equity -165,000 Class E Preferred Units(13)(18) | | | | | 165,000 | | | | 4,102,076 | | | | 4,039,200 | | | | 2.52 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 165,000 | | | | 4,102,076 | | | | 4,039,200 | | | | 2.52 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| PHH Mortgage Corp. | | Real Estate | | 7.875% Senior Secured Note(14) | | 3/15/2026 | | | 7,686,000 | | | | 6,990,720 | | | | 7,661,981 | | | | 4.78 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 7,686,000 | | | | 6,990,720 | | | | 7,661,981 | | | | 4.78 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Point.360 | | Services: Business | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 6.00% PIK)(10)(21) | | 7/8/2020 | | | 2,777,366 | | | | 2,103,712 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2,777,366 | | | | 2,103,712 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Power Stop LLC | | Automotive | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 4.75%, 0.50% Floor)(14)(20)(24) | | 1/26/2029 | | | 8,838,431 | | | | 8,289,487 | | | | 8,484,894 | | | | 5.29 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 8,838,431 | | | | 8,289,487 | | | | 8,484,894 | | | | 5.29 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Secure Acquisition Inc. (dba Paragon Films) | | Packaging | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 4.25%, 0.50% Floor)(14)(24) | | 12/16/2028 | | | 3,509,670 | | | | 3,499,674 | | | | 3,505,283 | | | | 2.19 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 3,509,670 | | | | 3,499,674 | | | | 3,505,283 | | | | 2.19 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| SS Acquisition, LLC (dba Soccer Shots Franchising) | | Services: Consumer | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 6.50%, 1.00% Floor)(20)(23) | | 12/30/2026 | | | 6,666,667 | | | | 6,612,831 | | | | 6,666,667 | | | | 4.16 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan(SOFR + CSA + 6.50%, 1.00% Floor)(20)(23) | | 12/30/2026 | | | 3,200,000 | | | | 3,171,118 | | | | 3,200,000 | | | | 2.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 9,866,667 | | | | 9,783,949 | | | | 9,866,667 | | | | 6.16 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Stancor (dba Industrial Flow Solutions Holdings, LLC) | | Services: Business | | Equity - 358,867 Class A Units(21) | | | | | 358,867 | | | | 345,491 | | | | 375,105 | | | | 0.23 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 358,867 | | | | 345,491 | | | | 375,105 | | | | 0.23 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Staples, Inc. | | Services: Consumer | | First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 5.75%, 0.50% Floor)(14)(24) | | 9/1/2029 | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,845,748 | | | | 3,632,500 | | | | 2.27 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,845,748 | | | | 3,632,500 | | | | 2.27 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tamarix Capital Partners II, L.P.(11) | | Banking | | Fund Investment(8)(21) | | | | | N/A | | | | 1,746,049 | | | | 1,524,911 | | | | 0.96 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | - | | | | 1,746,049 | | | | 1,524,911 | | | | 0.96 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Thryv Holdings, Inc.(11) | | Media: Broadcasting & Subscription | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 6.75%, 1.00% Floor)(14)(23) | | 5/1/2029 | | | 2,550,000 | | | | 2,526,140 | | | | 2,581,875 | | | | 1.61 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2,550,000 | | | | 2,526,140 | | | | 2,581,875 | | | | 1.61 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Velocity Pooling Vehicle, LLC | | Automotive | | Equity - 5,441 Class A Units(21) | | | | | 5,441 | | | | 302,464 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | Warrants - 0.65% of Outstanding Equity(21) | | 3/30/2028 | | | 6,506 | | | | 361,667 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 11,947 | | | | 664,131 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Wingman Holdings, Inc. | | Aerospace & Defense | | Equity - 350 Common Shares(21) | | | | | 350 | | | | 700,000 | | | | 166,795 | | | | 0.10 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 350 | | | | 700,000 | | | | 166,795 | | | | 0.10 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| XYZ Roofco, LLC (dba SMC Roofing Solutions LLC) | | Services: Consumer | | First Out Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 3.50%, 2.00% Floor)(24) | | 10/16/2028 | | | 646,390 | | | | 650,342 | | | | 641,542 | | | | 0.40 | % | |
| | | | | First Out Delayed Draw Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 3.50%, 2.00% Floor)(8)(24) | | 10/16/2028 | | | 32,366 | | | | 33,259 | | | | 32,123 | | | | 0.02 | % | |
| | | | | Last Out Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 11.75%, 2.00% Floor)(24) | | 10/16/2028 | | | 1,863,568 | | | | 1,853,360 | | | | 1,830,956 | | | | 1.14 | % | |
| | | | | Last Out Delayed Draw Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 11.75%, 2.00% Floor)(8)(24) | | 10/16/2028 | | | 140,082 | | | | 142,014 | | | | 137,630 | | | | 0.09 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2,682,406 | | | | 2,678,975 | | | | 2,642,251 | | | | 1.65 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments | | | | | | | | | 128,069,299 | | | $ | 143,179,354 | | | $ | 142,233,426 | | | | 88.75 | % | |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-12
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**Consolidated
Schedule of Investments (continued)**
**As
of September 30, 2024**
****
| Company(1) | | Industry | | Type of Investment | | Maturity | | Par Amount/ Shares/Units(2) | | | Amortized Cost(3) | | | Fair Value(4) | | | % ofNet Assets(5) | | |
| Affiliated Investments:(6) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Black Angus Steakhouses, LLC | | Hotel, Gaming & Leisure | | Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan(SOFR + CSA + 9.00% PIK, 1.00% Floor)(10)(20)(23) | | 1/31/2025 | | | 1,013,584 | | | | 875,749 | | | | 751,207 | | | | 0.47 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 9.00% PIK, 1.00% Floor)(10)(20)(23) | | 1/31/2025 | | | 15,090,314 | | | | 7,767,533 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Super Priority Delayed Draw Term Loan (SOFR + CSA + 9.00% PIK, 1.00% Floor)(10)(20)(23) | | 1/31/2025 | | | 2,223,303 | | | | 1,920,960 | | | | 1,647,776 | | | | 1.03 | % | |
| | | | | Equity - 17.92% Membership Interest(21) | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 18,327,201 | | | | 10,564,242 | | | | 2,398,983 | | | | 1.50 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| FST Holdings Parent, LLC | | High Tech Industries | | Equity - 625,548 Class A Units(17) | | | | | 625,548 | | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 12,351,802 | | | | 7.71 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 625,548 | | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 12,351,802 | | | | 7.71 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal Affiliated Investments | | | | | | | | | 18,952,749 | | | $ | 20,564,242 | | | $ | 14,750,785 | | | | 9.21 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Controlled Investments:(7) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ECC Capital Corp. | | Real Estate | | Equity - 84,000,000 Units(13)(21) | | | | | 84,000,000 | | | | 4,257,002 | | | | 4,872,000 | | | | 3.04 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured Promissory Note (SOFR + 5.00%, 0.00% Floor)(24) | | 12/31/2031 | | | 7,422,012 | | | | 7,422,012 | | | | 7,422,012 | | | | 4.65 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 91,422,012 | | | | 11,679,014 | | | | 12,294,012 | | | | 7.67 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| FlexFIN, LLC | | Services: Business | | Equity Interest | | | | | 36,683,045 | | | $ | 36,683,045 | | | $ | 36,683,045 | | | | 22.88 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 36,683,045 | | | | 36,683,045 | | | | 36,683,045 | | | | 22.88 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NSG Captive, Inc. | | Insurance | | Equity - 100,000 Units(21) | | | | | 100,000 | | | | 101,000 | | | | 101,000 | | | | 0.06 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 100,000 | | | | 101,000 | | | | 101,000 | | | | 0.06 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NVTN LLC | | Hotel, Gaming & Leisure | | Senior Secured Revolving Note (SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor)(23) | | 12/31/2026 | | | 5,500,000 | | | | 5,616,309 | | | | 5,500,000 | | | | 3.43 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B(AFR, 2.00% Floor)(26) | | 12/31/2026 | | | 17,552,420 | | | | 13,916,082 | | | | 16,353,590 | | | | 10.20 | % | |
| | | | | Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan C (SOFR + 12.00% PIK, 2.00% Floor)(10) | | 12/31/2026 | | | 11,506,159 | | | | 7,570,055 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | Equity - 1,000 Class A Units | | | | | 1,000 | | | | 21,450,924 | | | | - | | | | 0.00 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | 34,559,579 | | | | 48,553,370 | | | | 21,853,590 | | | | 13.63 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal Control Investments | | | | | | | | | 162,764,636 | | | $ | 97,016,429 | | | $ | 70,931,647 | | | | 44.24 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Total Investments,September 30, 2024 | | | | | | | 309,786,684 | | | $ | 260,760,025 | | | $ | 227,915,858 | | | | 142.20 | % | |
****
| (1) | Substantially all of our investments are domiciled in the United States. Certain investments also have international operations. | |
| (2) | Par amount is presented for debt investments and the amount includes accumulated payment-in-kind (PIK) interest, as applicable, and is net of repayments, while the number of shares or units owned is presented for equity investments. Par amount is denominated in U.S. Dollars ($) unless otherwise noted. | |
F-13
| (3) | Net unrealized depreciation for U.S. federal income tax purposes totaled $(31,349,330). | |
| | The tax cost basis of investments is $259,682,623as of September 30, 2024. | |
| | The amortized cost represents the original cost adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premium or discount, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method. | |
| (4) | Unless otherwise indicated, all securities are valued using significant unobservable inputs, which are categorized as Level 3 assets under the definition of ASC 820 fair value hierarchy (see Note 4). | |
| (5) | Percentage is based on net assets of $160,307,773as of September 30, 2024. | |
| (6) | Affiliated Investments are defined by the 1940 Act as investments in companies in which the Company owns between 5% and 25% outstanding voting securities or is under common control with such portfolio company. | |
| (7) | Control Investments are defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as investments in companies in which the Company owns more than 25% of the voting securities or maintains greater than 50% of the board representation. | |
| (8) | The investment has an unfunded commitment as of September 30, 2024 (see Note 8), and fair value includes the value of any unfunded commitments. The negative cost, if applicable, is the result of the capitalized discount being greater than the principal amount outstanding on the loan. The negative fair value, if applicable, is the result of the capitalized discount on the loan. | |
| (9) | Not in use. | |
| (10) | The investment was on non-accrual status as of September 30, 2024. | |
| (11) | The investment is not a qualifying asset as defined under Section 55(a) of 1940 Act, in a whole, or in part. As of September 30, 2024, non-qualifying assets represented 13.1% of total assets. | |
| (12) | This investment earns 0.50% commitment fee on all unused commitment as of September 30, 2024, and is recorded as a component of interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. | |
| (13) | This investment represents a Level 1 security in the ASC 820 table as of September 30, 2024 (see Note 4). | |
| (14) | This investment represents a Level 2 security in the ASC 820 table as of September 30, 2024 (see Note 4). | |
| (15) | The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month SOFR plus a CSA of 0.262% plus a 4.743% spread on 9/30/2025. | |
| (16) | The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month SOFR plus a CSA of 0.262% plus a 5.29% spread on 9/27/2027. | |
| (17) | The investment is held through PhenixFIN Investment Holdings FST, LLC. | |
| (18) | The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month SOFR plus a CSA of 0.262% plus a 6.429% spread on 1/15/2025. | |
| (19) | The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month LIBOR plus a 5.345% spread on 3/31/2025. | |
| (20) | Credit Spread Adjustment (CSA) | |
| (21) | Non-income producing security. | |
| (22) | Not in use. | |
| (23) | The interest rate on these loans is subject to 1 month SOFR, which as of September 30, 2024 was 4.85% | |
| (24) | The interest rate on these loans is subject to 3 month SOFR, which as of September 30, 2024 was 4.59%. | |
| (25) | The interest rate on these loans is subject to 6 month SOFR, which as of September 30, 2024 was 4.25%. | |
| (26) | The interest rate on these loans is subject to the monthly Applicable Federal Rate, which as of September 30, 2024 was 4.48%. | |
****
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-14
****
**PHENIXFIN
CORPORATION**
**Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements**
**September
30, 2025**
****
**Note 1.
Organization**
PhenixFIN
Corporation (PhenixFIN, the Company, we and us) is an internally-managed non-diversified
closed-end management investment company incorporated in Delaware that has elected to be regulated as a business development company
(BDC) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). We completed our initial public
offering (IPO) and commenced operations on January 20, 2011. The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually,
to be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a regulated investment company (RIC) under Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). Through December 31, 2020, we were an externally managed company.
Since January 1, 2021, we have operated under our present internalized management structure.
The
Company has formed and expects to continue to form certain taxable subsidiaries (the Taxable Subsidiaries), which are taxed
as corporations for federal income tax purposes. These Taxable Subsidiaries allow us to, among other things, hold equity securities of
portfolio companies organized as pass-through entities while continuing to satisfy the requirements of a RIC under the Code.
The
Companys investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation. The management team seeks to achieve this
objective primarily through making loans, private equity or other investments in privately-held companies. The Company may also make
debt, equity or other investments in publicly-traded companies. (These investments may also include investments in other BDCs, closed-end
funds or REITs.) We may also pursue other strategic opportunities and invest in other assets or operate other businesses to achieve our
investment objective, such as operating and managing an asset-based (gems) lending business and overseeing an insurance business. The
portfolio generally consists of senior secured first lien term loans, senior secured second lien term loans, senior secured bonds, preferred
equity and common equity. Occasionally, we will receive warrants or other equity participation features which we believe will have the
potential to increase total investment returns. Our loan and other debt investments are primarily rated below investment grade or are
unrated. Investments in below investment grade securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers
capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due.
Since
January 4, 2021, the common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol PFX.
**Note
2. Significant Accounting Policies**
**Basis
of Presentation**
The
Company is an investment company following the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Accounting Standards Codification 946 (ASC 946), Financial Services Investment Companies. The accompanying consolidated
financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP) and include the consolidated accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries PhenixFIN Small Business
Fund, LP, PhenixFIN SLF Funding I LLC, PhenixFIN Investment Holdings, LLC, PhenixFIN Investment Holdings Omnivere, LLC, PhenixFIN Investment
Holdings AAR, LLC, and PhenixFIN Investment Holdings Amvestar, LLC. All references made to the Company, we,
and us herein include PhenixFIN Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as stated otherwise. Additionally,
the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company and related financial information have been prepared pursuant to the
requirements for reporting on Form 10-K and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933.
F-15
**Note 2.
Significant Accounting Policies (continued)**
**Use
of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements**
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements
and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
**Cash,
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents**
The
Company considers cash equivalents to be highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents
include deposits in a money market account. The Company deposits its cash in financial institutions and, at times, such balances may
be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits.As of September 30, 2025 and 2024, we had $7.3 million
and $67.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, respectively, none of which is restricted.
**Debt
Issuance Costs and Deferred Financing Costs**
Debt
issuance costs, incurred in connection with unsecured notes (see Note 5), are deferred and amortized over the life of the respective
instrument. Deferred financing costs related to the issuance of revolving debt obligations (see Note 5) are deferred and amortized over
the life of the respective obligation. Debt issuance costs related to any unsecured notes are presented net against the outstanding debt
balance on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Deferred financing costs related to any credit facilities are presented
on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
**Indemnification**
In
the normal course of business, the Company enters into contractual agreements that provide general indemnifications against losses, costs,
claims and liabilities arising from the performance of individual obligations under such agreements. The Company has had no material
claims or payments pursuant to such agreements. The Companys individual maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown,
as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred. However, based on managements
experience, the Company expects the risk of loss to be remote.
**Revenue
Recognition**
Interest
income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums to par
value on investments purchased are accreted and amortized into interest income over the life of the respective investment. Loan origination
fees, original issue discount (OID) and market discounts or premiums are capitalized and amortized into interest income
using the effective interest method or straight-line method, as applicable.
The
Company holds debt investments in its portfolio that contain a payment-in-kind (PIK) interest provision. PIK interest,
which represents contractually deferred interest added to the investment balance that is generally due at maturity, is recorded on the
accrual basis to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected. PIK interest is not accrued if the Company does not expect the
issuer to be able to pay all principal and interest when due. For the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company earned
approximately $1.4 million, $1.2 million, $1.5 million in PIK interest, respectively.
F-16
****
**Note 2.
Significant Accounting Policies (continued)**
Amendment
and transaction break-up fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are recognized as income when we become entitled to
such fees. Prepayment penalties received by the Company for debt instruments paid back to the Company prior to the maturity date are
recorded as income upon repayment of debt. Administrative agent fees received by the Company are capitalized as deferred revenue and
recorded as fee income when the services are rendered. Other income includes fees for providing managerial assistance to our portfolio
companies and is recognized as revenue when earned. For the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, fee income was approximately
$1.0 million, $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively (see Note 9).
Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses on investments are measured by the difference
between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized cost basis of investment using the specific identification method, without
regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized.Realized gains relating to restructuring transactions that occurred
during the year ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 were $0.3 million and $6.9 million. No realized gains or losses relating to restructuring
transactions occurred during the year ended September 30, 2023. The Company reports changes in fair value of investments as net unrealized
appreciation/(depreciation) on investments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Management
reviews all loans that become 90 days or more past due on principal or interest or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest
will be collected for possible placement on managements designation of non-accrual status. Interest receivable is analyzed regularly
and may be reserved against when deemed not collectible. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income
or applied to principal depending upon managements judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual
status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in managements judgment, are likely to remain current, although we may
make exceptions to this general rule if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. At September 30,
2025, a certain investment in one portfolio company held by the Company was on non-accrual status with a combined fair value of approximately
$0.0 million, or 0.0% of the fair value of our portfolio, and a cost of $7.6 million. At September 30, 2024, certain investments in three
portfolio companies held by the Company were on non-accrual status with a combined fair value of approximately $2.4 million, or 1.1%
of the fair value of our portfolio, and a cost of $20.2 million.
**Investment
Classification**
The
Company classifies its investments in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, we would be deemed to control
a portfolio company if we owned more than25% of its outstanding voting securities and/or had the power to exercise control over
the management or policies of such portfolio company. We refer to such investments in portfolio companies that we control
as Control Investments. Under the 1940 Act, we would be deemed to be an Affiliated Person of a portfolio
company if we own between5% and25% of the portfolio companys outstanding voting securities or we are under common
control with such portfolio company. We refer to such investments in Affiliated Persons as Affiliated Investments.
**Valuation
of Investments**
The
Company applies fair value accounting to all of its financial instruments in accordance with the 1940 Act and ASC Topic 820 - Fair Value
Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework used to measure fair value
and requires disclosures for fair value measurements. In accordance with ASC 820, the Company has categorized its financial instruments
carried at fair value, based on the priority of the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as discussed in Note
4. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity specific measure.
Therefore, when market assumptions are not readily available, the Companys own assumptions are set to reflect those that management
believes market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument at the measurement date.
F-17
****
**Note
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)**
Investments
for which market quotations are readily available are valued at such market quotations, which are generally obtained from an independent
pricing service or multiple broker-dealers or market makers. We weight the use of third-party broker quotations, if any, in determining
fair value based on our understanding of the level of actual transactions used by the broker to develop the quote and whether the quote
was an indicative price or binding offer. However, debt investments with remaining maturities within 60 days that are not credit impaired
are valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, which approximates fair value. Investments for which market quotations
are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined by our Chief Financial Officer, the Companys Valuation Designee,
based upon input from management and third-party valuation firms. Because these investments are illiquid and because there may not be
any directly comparable companies whose financial instruments have observable market values, these loans are valued using a fundamental
valuation methodology, consistent with traditional asset pricing standards, that is objective and consistently applied across all loans
and through time.
Investments
in investment funds are valued at fair value. Fair values are generally determined utilizing the NAV supplied by, or on behalf of, management
of each investment fund, which is net of management and incentive fees or allocations charged by the investment fund and is in accordance
with the practical expedient, as defined by FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-12,*Investments
in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share*. NAVs received by, or on behalf of, management of each investment fund
are based on the fair value of the investment funds underlying investments in accordance with policies established by management
of each investment fund, as described in each of their financial statements and offering memorandum. If the Company is in the process
of the sale of an investment fund, fair value will be determined by actual or estimated sale proceeds.
The
methodologies utilized by the Company in estimating the fair value of its investments categorized as Level 3 generally fall into the
following two categories:
| 
| 
| 
The Market Approach
uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable (that is, similar)
assets, liabilities, or a group of assets and liabilities, such as a business. | |
| 
| 
| 
The Income Approach
converts future amounts (for example, cash flows or income and expenses) to a single current (that is, discounted) amount. When the
Income Approach is used, the fair value measurement reflects current market expectations about those future amounts. | |
The
Company has engaged third-party valuation firms (the Valuation Firms) to assist it and its Valuation Designee (the Chief
Financial Officer) in the valuation of its portfolio investments. The valuation reports generated by the Valuation Firms consider the
evaluation of financing and sale transactions with third parties, expected cash flows and market-based information, including comparable
transactions, performance multiples, and movement in yields of debt instruments, among other factors. The Company uses a market yield
analysis under the Income Approach or an enterprise model of valuation under the Market Approach, or a combination thereof. In applying
the market yield analysis, the value of the Companys loans are determined based upon inputs such as the coupon rate, current market
yield, interest rate spreads of similar securities, the stated value of the loan, and the length to maturity. In applying the enterprise
model, the Company uses a waterfall analysis, which takes into account the specific capital structure of the borrower and the related
seniority of the instruments within the borrowers capital structure. To estimate the enterprise value of the portfolio company,
we weigh some or all of the traditional market valuation methods and factors based on the individual circumstances of the portfolio company
in order to estimate the enterprise value.
F-18
****
**Note
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)**
The
methodologies and information that the Company utilizes when applying the Market Approach for performing investments include, among other
things:
| 
| 
| 
valuations of comparable
public companies (Guideline Comparable Approach); | |
| 
| 
| 
recent sales of private
and public comparable companies (Guideline Comparable Approach); | |
| 
| 
| 
recent acquisition prices
of the company, debt securities or equity securities (Recent Arms-Length Transaction); | |
| 
| 
| 
external valuations of
the portfolio company, offers from third parties to buy the company (Estimated Sales Proceeds Approach); | |
| 
| 
| 
subsequent sales made by
the Company of its investments (Expected Sales Proceeds Approach); and | |
| 
| 
| 
estimating the value to
potential buyers. | |
The
methodologies and information that the Company utilizes when applying the Income Approach for performing investments include:
| 
| 
| 
discounting the forecasted
cash flows of the portfolio company or securities (Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Approach); and | |
| 
| 
| 
Black-Scholes model or
simulation models or a combination thereof (Income Approach - Option Model) with respect to the valuation of warrants. | |
For
non-performing investments, we may estimate the liquidation or collateral value of the portfolio companys assets and liabilities
using an expected recovery model (Market Approach - Expected Recovery Analysis or Estimated Liquidation Proceeds).
We
undertake a multi-step valuation process each quarter when valuing investments for which market quotations are not readily available,
as described below:
| 
| 
| 
Our quarterly valuation
process generally begins with each portfolio investment being initially valued by a Valuation Firm; | |
| 
| 
| 
Available third-party market
data will be reviewed by Company personnel designated by the Valuation Designee (Fair Value Personnel) and the Valuation
Firm. | |
| 
| 
| 
Available portfolio company
data and general industry data are then reviewed by the Fair Value Personnel. | |
| 
| 
| 
Preliminary valuation conclusions
are then documented and discussed with the Fair Value Personnel. | |
| 
| 
| 
The Valuation Designee
then determines the fair value of each investment in the Companys portfolio in good faith based on such discussions, the Companys
Valuation Policy and the Valuation Firms final estimated valuations. | |
| 
| 
| 
The Valuation Designees
report is then presented to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee. | |
F-19
**Note
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)**
Due
to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair
value of our investments may differ from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments,
and the differences could be material. In addition, changes in the market environment (including the impact of pandemics, wars, tariffs,
or other events on financial markets), portfolio company performance, and other events may occur over the lives of the investments that
may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be materially different than the valuations currently assigned.
**Fair Value
of Financial Instruments**
The
carrying amounts of certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expenses,
approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying amounts and fair values of our long-term obligations are discussed
in Note 5.
**Recent
Accounting Pronouncements**
****
The
Company considers the applicability and impact of all accounting standard updates (ASU) FASB. ASUs not listed were assessed
by the Company and either determined to be not applicable or expected to have minimal impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In
November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU
2023-07), which enhances disclosure requirements about significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the
chief operating decision maker (the CODM). ASU 2023-07, among other things, (i) requires a single segment public entity
to provide all of the disclosures as required by Topic 280, (ii) requires a public entity to disclose the title and position of the CODM
and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding
how to allocate resources and (iii) provides the ability for a public entity to elect more than one performance measure. ASU 2023-07
is effective for the fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2024, and interim periods beginning after September 30, 2025 for the
Company. Early adoption is permitted and retrospective adoption is required for all prior periods presented. The Company adopted the
guidance during the year ended September 30, 2025 and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Companys financial statements.
See Note 15 Segment Reporting for more information.
In
December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09),
which intends to improve the transparency of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2024 and is to be adopted on a prospective basis with the option to apply retrospectively. The Company is currently assessing the
impact of this guidance, however, the Company does not expect a material impact to its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In
November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income StatementReporting Comprehensive IncomeExpense Disaggregation
Disclosures (ASU 2024-03), which requires disaggregated disclosure of certain costs and expenses, including purchases
of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, amortization and depletion for oil and gas companies, within relevant income statement
captions. ASU 2024-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15,
2027, as clarified by ASU 2025-01, which was released by the FASB in January 2025. Early adoption and retrospective application is permitted.
The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, however, the Company does not expect a material impact on its consolidated
financial statements.
Other
than the aforementioned guidance, the Companys management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting
standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-20
**Note 2.
Significant Accounting Policies (continued)**
****
**Federal
Income Taxes**
The
Company has elected, and intends to continue to qualify annually, to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to
continue to qualify as a RIC and be eligible for tax treatment under Subchapter M of the Code, among other things, the Company is required
to meet certain source of income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of the
sum of investment company taxable income (ICTI), as defined by the Code, including PIK interest, and net tax exempt interest
income (which is the excess of gross tax exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions) for each taxable year. Depending
on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year dividend distributions
into the next tax year. Any such carryover ICTI must be distributed before the end of that next tax year through a dividend declared
prior to filing the final tax return related to the year which generated such ICTI.
The
Company is subject to a nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax of 4% on undistributed income if it does not distribute at least 98% of
its ordinary income in any calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for each one-year period ending on October 31 of such
calendar year and any income realized, but not distributed, in preceding years and on which it did not pay federal income tax. To the
extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year
dividend distributions for excise tax purposes, the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable
income is earned. There was no provision for federal excise tax for the calendar year ended 2024 accrued at September 30, 2025, for the
calendar year ended 2023 accrued at September 30, 2024 and the calendar year ended 2022 accrued at September 30, 2023. On December 13,
2024, the Company identified that it did not distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income for the tax year ended
September 30, 2023. The Company filed Form 8927 on December 16, 2024 notifying the IRS.
The
Companys Taxable Subsidiaries accrue income taxes payable based on the applicable corporate rates on the unrealized gains generated
by the investments held by the Taxable Subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a net deferred
tax asset of $1,234,847 and $887,099, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The change in provision
for deferred taxes is included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statements
of Operations. For the years ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company recorded a change in provision for deferred taxes of $210,210
and $887,099, respectively, on the unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation on investments. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the
Company did not record a change in provision for deferred taxes on the unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation on investments.
As
of September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company had a deferred tax asset of $14.4 million and $20.9 million, respectively, consisting primarily
of net operating losses and net unrealized losses on the investments held within its Taxable Subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2025 and
2024, the Company has booked a valuation allowance of $13.2 million and $20.0 million, respectively, against its deferred tax asset.
ICTI
generally differs from net investment income for financial reporting purposes due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition
of income and expenses. The Company may be required to recognize ICTI in certain circumstances in which it does not receive cash. For
example, if the Company holds debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount, the Company
must include in ICTI each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether
cash representing such income is received by the Company in the same taxable year. The Company may also have to include in ICTI other
amounts that it has not yet received in cash, such as 1) PIK interest income and 2) interest income from investments that have been classified
as non-accrual for financial reporting purposes. Interest income on non-accrual investments is not recognized for financial reporting
purposes, but generally is recognized in ICTI. Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in the Companys
ICTI for the year of accrual, the Company may be required to make a distribution to its stockholders in order to satisfy the minimum
distribution requirements, even though the Company will not have received and may not ever receive any corresponding cash amount. ICTI
also excludes net unrealized appreciation or depreciation, as investment gains or losses are not included in taxable income until they
are realized.
****
F-21
**Note 2.
Significant Accounting Policies (continued)**
Permanent
differences between ICTI and net investment income for financial reporting purposes are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial
statements to reflect their tax character. Differences in classification may also result from the treatment of short-term gains as ordinary
income for tax purposes. During the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company reclassified for book purposes amounts
arising from permanent book/tax differences related to the different tax treatment of net operating losses and investments in wholly-owned
subsidiaries as follows:
| 
| | 
For
the Years Ended September 30 | | |
| 
| | 
2025 | | | 
2024 | | | 
2023 | | |
| 
Capital in excess of par value | | 
$ | 531,749 | | | 
$ | 12,468,254 | | | 
$ | 20,468,622 | | |
| 
Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss) | | 
| (531,749 | ) | | 
| (12,468,254 | ) | | 
| (20,468,622 | ) | |
| 
Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) from investments | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| | | |
For
income tax purposes, distributions paid to stockholders are reported as ordinary income, return of capital, long term capital gains or
a combination thereof. The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
| 
| | 
For
the Years Ended September 30 | | |
| 
| | 
2025 | | | 
2024 | | | 
2023 | | |
| 
Ordinary income | | 
$ | 2,888,283 | | | 
$ | 2,645,925 | | | 
$ | - | | |
| 
Distributions of long term capital gains | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Return of capital | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Distributions on a tax
basis | | 
$ | 2,888,283 | | | 
$ | 2,645,925 | | | 
$ | - | | |
For
federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments owned at September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were approximately $323.9 million, $259.6
million and $264.1 million, respectively.
At
September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the components of distributable earnings/(accumulated deficits) on a tax basis detailed below differ
from the amounts reflected in the Companys Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities by temporary and other book/tax differences,
primarily relating to the tax treatment of certain fee income and organizational expenses, as follows:
| 
| | 
For
the Years Ended September 30 | | |
| 
| | 
2025 | | | 
2024 | | | 
2023 | | |
| 
Undistributed ordinary income | | 
$ | 246,251 | | | 
$ | 1,918,290 | | | 
$ | 2,389,267 | | |
| 
Accumulated capital and other
losses(1) | | 
| (523,575,571 | ) | | 
| (515,131,566 | ) | | 
| (512,809,528 | ) | |
| 
Other temporary differences | | 
| (23,477 | ) | | 
| (41,229 | ) | | 
| (57,438 | ) | |
| 
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | 
| (20,515,555 | ) | | 
| (31,349,330 | ) | | 
| (37,631,079 | ) | |
| 
Components of distributable
earnings/(accumulated deficits) at year end | | 
$ | (543,868,352 | ) | | 
| (544,603,835 | ) | | 
$ | (548,108,778 | ) | |
| 
(1) | Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, net capital losses recognized for tax years beginning after December 22, 2010, may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term or long-term losses. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had a long-term capital loss carryforward available to offset future realized capital gains of $521,474,790 and a short-term capital loss carryforward of $2,100,781. Net capital losses incurred after October 31 (post-October losses) and net investment losses incurred after December 31 (late-year losses), and within the taxable year, may be elected to be deferred to the first business day of the Funds next taxable year. As of the most recent fiscal period ended September 30, 2025, the Fund did not elect to defer any late year losses. | 
|
F-22
**Note
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)**
The
Company accounts for income taxes in conformity with ASC Topic 740 - Income Taxes (ASC 740). ASC 740 provides guidelines
for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in financial statements. ASC 740 requires the
evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Companys tax returns to determine whether
the tax positions are more-likely-than-not of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions deemed to
meet a more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current period. The Company
recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements
of Operations. There were no material uncertain income tax positions at September 30, 2025.Although we file federal and state tax
returns, our major tax jurisdiction is federal. The Companys federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain
open, subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and applicable state tax authorities.
****
**Company
Investment Risk, Concentration of Credit Risk, and Liquidity Risk**
The
Company has broad discretion in making investments. Investments generally consist of debt instruments that may be affected by business,
financial market or legal uncertainties. Prices of investments may be volatile, and a variety of factors that are inherently difficult
to predict, such as domestic or international economic and political developments, may significantly affect the results of the Companys
activities and the value of its investments. In addition, the value of the Companys portfolio may fluctuate as the general level
of interest rates fluctuate.
The
value of the Companys investments in loans may be detrimentally affected to the extent, among other things, that a borrower defaults
on its obligations, there is insufficient collateral and/or there are extensive legal and other costs incurred in collecting on a defaulted
loan, observable secondary or primary market yields for similar instruments issued by comparable companies increase materially or risk
premiums required in the market between smaller companies, such as our borrowers, and those for which market yields are observable increase
materially.
The
Companys assets may, at any time, include securities and other financial instruments or obligations that are illiquid or thinly
traded, making purchase or sale of such securities and financial instruments at desired prices or in desired quantities difficult. Furthermore,
the sale of any such investments may be possible only at substantial discounts, and it may be extremely difficult to value any such investments
accurately.
**Note
3. Investments**
The
composition of our investments as of September 30, 2025 as a percentage of our total portfolio, at amortized cost and fair value were
as follows (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Amortized
Cost | | | 
Percentage | | | 
Fair
Value | | | 
Percentage | | |
| 
Senior Secured First Lien Term
Loans | | 
$ | 125,373 | | | 
| 38.6 | % | | 
$ | 116,567 | | | 
| 38.6 | % | |
| 
Senior Secured Notes | | 
| 17,039 | | | 
| 5.3 | | | 
| 17,457 | | | 
| 5.8 | | |
| 
Fund Investment | | 
| 2,194 | | | 
| 0.7 | | | 
| 2,227 | | | 
| 0.7 | | |
| 
Equity/Warrants | | 
| 179,783 | | | 
| 55.4 | | | 
| 166,021 | | | 
| 54.9 | | |
| 
Total
Investments | | 
$ | 324,389 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | | 
$ | 302,272 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | |
F-23
**Note
3. Investments (continued)**
The
composition of our investments as of September 30, 2024 as a percentage of our total portfolio, at amortized cost and fair value were
as follows (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Amortized
Cost | | | 
Percentage | | | 
Fair
Value | | | 
Percentage | | |
| 
Senior Secured First Lien Term
Loans | | 
$ | 129,957 | | | 
| 49.8 | % | | 
$ | 113,990 | | | 
| 50.0 | % | |
| 
Senior Secured Notes | | 
| 18,127 | | | 
| 7.0 | | | 
| 18,476 | | | 
| 8.1 | | |
| 
Fund Investment | | 
| 1,746 | | | 
| 0.7 | | | 
| 1,525 | | | 
| 0.7 | | |
| 
Equity/Warrants | | 
| 110,930 | | | 
| 42.5 | | | 
| 93,925 | | | 
| 41.2 | | |
| 
Total
Investments | | 
$ | 260,760 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | | 
$ | 227,916 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | |
In
connection with certain of the Companys investments, the Company receives warrants that are obtained for the objective of increasing
the total investment returns and are not held for hedging purposes.At September 30, 2025 and 2024, the total fair value of warrants
was $815.5 thousand and $82.7 thousand, respectively, and were included in investments at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of
Assets and Liabilities. During the year ended September 30, 2025, the Company acquired two additional warrants in existing portfolio
companies. During the year ended September 30, 2024, the Company did not acquire any additional warrants in an existing portfolio company.
Total
change in unrealized depreciation related to warrants for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $46.5 thousand, $123.7
thousand and $143.9 thousand, respectively, and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as net change in unrealized
appreciation/(depreciation) on investments. The warrants are received in connection with individual investments and are not subject to
master netting arrangements.
The
following table shows the portfolio composition by industry grouping at fair value at September 30, 2025 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Fair
Value | | | 
Percentage | | |
| 
Services: Business | | 
$ | 56,249 | | | 
| 18.6 | % | |
| 
Insurance | | 
| 48,470 | | | 
| 16.0 | | |
| 
Real Estate | | 
| 47,632 | | | 
| 15.8 | | |
| 
Services: Consumer | | 
| 38,418 | | | 
| 12.7 | | |
| 
Aerospace & Defense | | 
| 25,881 | | | 
| 8.6 | | |
| 
Hotel, Gaming & Leisure | | 
| 22,328 | | | 
| 7.4 | | |
| 
Construction & Building | | 
| 18,131 | | | 
| 6.0 | | |
| 
High Tech Industries | | 
| 16,961 | | | 
| 5.6 | | |
| 
Metals & Mining | | 
| 8,763 | | | 
| 2.9 | | |
| 
Automotive | | 
| 7,860 | | | 
| 2.6 | | |
| 
Media: Broadcasting & Subscription | | 
| 4,850 | | | 
| 1.6 | | |
| 
Consumer Discretionary | | 
| 4,502 | | | 
| 1.5 | | |
| 
Banking | | 
| 2,227 | | | 
| 0.7 | | |
| 
Total | | 
$ | 302,272 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | |
F-24
**Note 3.
Investments (continued)**
The
following table shows the portfolio composition by industry grouping at fair value at September 30, 2024 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Fair
Value | | | 
Percentage | | |
| 
| | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
Real Estate | | 
$ | 50,162 | | | 
| 22.0 | % | |
| 
Services: Business | | 
| 46,706 | | | 
| 20.5 | | |
| 
Services: Consumer | | 
| 28,121 | | | 
| 12.3 | | |
| 
Hotel, Gaming & Leisure | | 
| 24,253 | | | 
| 10.6 | | |
| 
Construction & Building | | 
| 17,095 | | | 
| 7.5 | | |
| 
High Tech Industries | | 
| 12,352 | | | 
| 5.5 | | |
| 
Automotive | | 
| 12,316 | | | 
| 5.4 | | |
| 
Metals & Mining | | 
| 12,161 | | | 
| 5.3 | | |
| 
Media: Broadcasting & Subscription | | 
| 9,003 | | | 
| 4.0 | | |
| 
Energy: Oil & Gas | | 
| 4,333 | | | 
| 1.9 | | |
| 
Packaging | | 
| 3,505 | | | 
| 1.5 | | |
| 
Consumer Discretionary | | 
| 3,456 | | | 
| 1.5 | | |
| 
Aerospace & Defense | | 
| 2,827 | | | 
| 1.2 | | |
| 
Banking | | 
| 1,525 | | | 
| 0.7 | | |
| 
Insurance | | 
| 101 | | | 
| 0.1 | | |
| 
Total | | 
$ | 227,916 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | |
The
Company invests in portfolio companies principally located in the United States. The geographic composition is determined by the location
of the corporate headquarters of the portfolio company, which may not be indicative of the primary source of the portfolio companys
business.
The
following table shows the portfolio composition by geographic location at fair value at September 30, 2025 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Fair
Value | | | 
Percentage | | |
| 
Northeast | | 
$ | 114,610 | | | 
| 37.9 | % | |
| 
Southeast | | 
| 106,037 | | | 
| 35.1 | | |
| 
West | | 
| 31,549 | | | 
| 10.4 | | |
| 
Midwest | | 
| 19,272 | | | 
| 6.4 | | |
| 
Southwest | | 
| 15,645 | | | 
| 5.2 | | |
| 
Mid-Atlantic | | 
| 314 | | | 
| 0.1 | | |
| 
International | | 
| 14,845 | | | 
| 4.9 | | |
| 
Total | | 
$ | 302,272 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | |
F-25
**Note 3.
Investments (continued)**
The
following table shows the portfolio composition by geographic location at fair value at September 30, 2024 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Fair
Value | | | 
Percentage | | |
| 
Northeast | | 
$ | 87,269 | | | 
| 38.3 | % | |
| 
Southeast | | 
| 61,276 | | | 
| 26.9 | | |
| 
Midwest | | 
| 34,648 | | | 
| 15.2 | | |
| 
West | | 
| 31,951 | | | 
| 14.0 | | |
| 
Southwest | | 
| 2,749 | | | 
| 1.2 | | |
| 
Mid-Atlantic | | 
| 375 | | | 
| 0.2 | | |
| 
International | | 
| 9,648 | | | 
| 4.2 | | |
| 
Total | | 
$ | 227,916 | | | 
| 100.0 | % | |
**Transactions
With Affiliated/Controlled Companies**
The
Company had investments in portfolio companies designated as Affiliated Investments and Controlled Investments under the 1940 Act. Transactions
with Affiliated Investments and Controlled Investments during the years ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
| 
Name
of Investment(1)(2) | | 
Type
of Investment | | 
Fair
Value at September30, 2024 | | | 
Purchases/(Sales)
of or Advances/ (Distributions) | | | 
Transfers
In/(Out) of Affiliates | | | 
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) | | | 
Realized
Gain/(Loss) | | | 
| | | 
Fair
Value at September30, 2025 | | | 
Earned
Income | | | 
Fee/Other
Income | | |
| 
Affiliated
Investments | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
Advocates
for Disabled Vets, LLC (dba Reps for Vets) | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 8,769,172 | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 28,042 | | | 
$ | 1,299 | | | 
| | | | 
$ | 8,798,513 | | | 
$ | 614,409 | | | 
$ | - | | |
| 
| | 
Equity | | 
| - | | | 
| 3,375,000 | | | 
| - | | | 
| (15,489 | ) | | 
| | | | 
| - | | | 
| 3,359,511 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Black
Angus Steakhouses, LLC | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
751,207 | | | 
(243,889 | ) | | 
- | | | 
124,542 | | | 
(631,860) | | | 
| | | 
- | | | 
- | | | 
- | | |
| 
| | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 7,767,533 | | | 
| (7,767,533) | | | 
| | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
| | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Super Priority DDTL | | 
| 1,647,776 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 273,184 | | | 
| (1,920,960) | | | 
| | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
FST
Holdings Parent, LLC | | 
Equity | | 
| 12,351,802 | | | 
| 8,289 | | | 
| - | | | 
| (1,399,350 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| | | | 
| 10,960,741 | | | 
| 254,231 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
MB
Precision Investment Holdings LLC | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
| - | | | 
| 6,694,041 | | | 
| - | | | 
| (297,667 | ) | | 
| 2,187 | | | 
| | | | 
| 6,398,561 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
| | 
Senior
Secured Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
| - | | | 
| 468,621 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 21,685 | | | 
| - | | | 
| | | | 
| 490,306 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
| | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Revolver | | 
| - | | | 
| 2,077,048 | | | 
| - | | | 
| (101,701 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| | | | 
| 1,975,347 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
| | 
Equity | | 
| - | | | 
| 3,167,157 | | | 
| - | | | 
| (441,749 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| | | | 
| 2,725,408 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
| | 
Warrants | | 
| - | | | 
| 827,409 | | | 
| - | | | 
| (154,391 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| | | | 
| 673,018 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Total
Affiliated Investments | | 
| | 
$ | 14,750,785 | | | 
$ | 25,142,848 | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 5,804,639 | | | 
$ | (10,316,867) | | | 
| | | 
$ | 35,381,405 | | | 
$ | 868,640 | | | 
$ | - | | |
| 
Name
of Investment(1)(2) | | 
Type
of Investment | | 
Fair
Value at September30,
2024 | | | 
Purchases/(Sales)
of or
Advances/
(Distributions) | | | 
Transfers
In/(Out) ofControlled | | | 
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) | | | 
Realized
Gain/(Loss) | | | 
Fair
Value at September30, 
2025 | | | 
Earned
Income | | | 
Fee/Other
Income | | |
| 
Controlled
Investments | | 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
ECC
Capital Corp. | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
$ | 7,422,012 | | | 
$ | (425,000 | ) | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 6,997,012 | | | 
$ | 716,278 | | | 
$ | - | | |
| 
| | 
Equity | | 
| 4,872,000 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 1,764,000 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 6,636,000 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 197,201 | | |
| 
FlexFIN,
LLC | | 
Equity
Interest | | 
| 36,683,046 | | | 
| 497,716 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 37,180,762 | | | 
| 5,024,928 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
NSG
Captive, Inc. | | 
Equity | | 
| 101,000 | | | 
| 49,154,076 | | | 
| - | | | 
| (785,536 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| 48,469,540 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 522,487 | | |
| 
NVTN
LLC | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
| 5,500,000 | | | 
| 3,400,000 | | | 
| - | | | 
| (13,230 | ) | | 
| 13,230 | | | 
| 8,900,000 | | | 
| 922,828 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
| | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan B | | 
| 16,353,589 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (2,925,989 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| 13,427,600 | | | 
| 813,121 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Total
Controlled Investments | | 
| | 
$ | 70,931,647 | | | 
$ | 52,626,792 | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | (1,960,755 | ) | | 
$ | 13,230 | | | 
$ | 121,610,914 | | | 
$ | 7,477,155 | | | 
$ | 719,688 | | |
F-26
**Note 3.
Investments (continued)**
| 
Name
of Investment(1)(2) | | 
Type
of Investment | | 
Fair
Value at September30,
2023 | | | 
Purchases/(Sales)
of or
Advances/
(Distributions) | | | 
Transfers
In/(Out) of Affiliates | | | 
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) | | | 
Realized
Gain/(Loss) | | | 
Fair
Value at September30,
2024 | | | 
Earned
Income | | |
| 
Affiliated Investments | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
1888
Industrial Services, LLC | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan C | | 
$ | 751,479 | | | 
$ | (1,096,561 | ) | | 
$ | (196,411 | ) | | 
$ | 439,778 | | | 
$ | 101,715 | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 123,326 | | |
| 
| | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan A | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 9,473,068 | | | 
| (9,473,068 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
| | 
Revolving
Credit Facility | | 
| 4,632,177 | | | 
| (5,112,074 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 479,897 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 158,704 | | |
| 
Black
Angus Steakhouses, LLC | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
| 875,749 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (124,542 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| 751,207 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
| | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan | | 
| 1,459,249 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (1,459,249 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
| | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Super Priority DDTL | | 
| 1,920,960 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (273,184 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| 1,647,776 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
FST
Holdings Parent, LLC | | 
Equity | | 
| 10,000,003 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 2,351,799 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 12,351,802 | | | 
| 199,388 | | |
| 
Maritime
Wireless Holdings LLC | | 
Senior
Secured First Lien Term Loan B | | 
| 7,500,000 | | | 
| (7,373,166 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| (126,834 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 535,857 | | |
| 
| | 
Equity | | 
| 10,150,000 | | | 
| (11,900,000 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| (5,150,000 | ) | | 
| 6,900,000 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Total
Affiliated Investments | | 
| | 
$ | 37,289,617 | | | 
$ | (25,481,801 | ) | | 
$ | (196,411 | ) | | 
$ | 5,130,836 | | | 
$ | (1,991,456 | ) | | 
$ | 14,750,785 | | | 
$ | 1,017,275 | | |
| 
Name
of Investment(1)(2) | | 
Type
of Investment | | 
Fair
Value at September30,
2023 | | | 
Purchases/(Sales)
of or
Advances/
(Distributions) | | | 
Transfers
In/(Out) ofControlled | | | 
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) | | | 
Realized
Gain/(Loss) | | | 
Fair
Value at September30,
2024 | | | 
Earned
Income | | |
| 
Controlled Investments | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
ECC
Capital Corp. | | 
Senior Secured
Promissory Note | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 7,422,012 | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | | 
| - | | | 
$ | 7,422,012 | | | 
$ | 962,959 | | |
| 
| | 
Equity | | 
| - | | | 
| 4,257,002 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 614,998 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 4,872,000 | | | 
| 33,280 | | |
| 
FlexFIN,
LLC | | 
Equity Interest | | 
| 38,870,711 | | | 
| (2,187,665 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 36,683,046 | | | 
| 3,972,352 | | |
| 
Kemmerer
Operations, LLC | | 
Senior Secured First Lien
Term Loan | | 
| 3,383,877 | | | 
| 5,769,816 | | | 
| (9,153,693 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 268,831 | | |
| 
| | 
Equity | | 
| 9,133,052 | | | 
| (10,378,988 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| (7,296,895 | ) | | 
| 8,542,831 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
NSG
Captive, Inc. | | 
Equity | | 
| - | | | 
| 101,000 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 101,000 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
NVTN
LLC | | 
Senior Secured First Lien
Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
| 7,214,856 | | | 
| (1,693,577 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| (21,279 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| 5,500,000 | | | 
| 1,035,741 | | |
| 
| | 
Senior Secured First Lien
Term Loan B | | 
| 5,037,547 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 11,316,042 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 16,353,589 | | | 
| 423,013 | | |
| 
| | 
Equity | | 
| - | | | 
| 11,900,000 | | | 
| - | | | 
| (11,900,000 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Total
Controlled Investments | | 
| | 
$ | 63,640,043 | | | 
$ | 15,189,600 | | | 
$ | (9,153,693 | ) | | 
$ | (7,287,134 | ) | | 
$ | 8,542,831 | | | 
$ | 70,931,647 | | | 
$ | 6,696,176 | | |
| (1) | The par amount and additional detail are shown in the Consolidated Schedules of Investments. | |
| (2) | Securities with a zero value at the beginning and end of the period, and those that had no transaction activity were excluded from the roll forward. | |
F-27
**Note 3.
Investments (continued)**
Purchases/(sales)
of or advances to/(distributions) from Affiliated Investments and Controlled Investments represent the proceeds from sales and settlements
of investments, purchases, originations and participations, investment increases due to PIK interest as well as net amortization of premium/(discount)
on investments and are included in the purchases and sales presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Transfers in/(out) of Affiliated Investments and Controlled Investments represent the fair value for
the quarter an investment became or was removed as an Affiliated Investment or a Controlled Investment. Income received from Affiliated
Investments and Controlled Investments is included in total investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years
ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
**Unconsolidated
Significant Subsidiaries**
In accordance with the SECs Regulation
S-X and GAAP, the Company evaluated and determined that it had three unconsolidated subsidiaries, FlexFIN, LLC, NSG Captive Inc., and
NVTN LLC, that are deemed to be a significant subsidiary as of September 30, 2025. For the year ended September 30, 2024,
the Company evaluated and determined that it had one unconsolidated subsidiary, FlexFIN, LLC, that is deemed to be a significant
subsidiary. In accordance with Rule 3-09, separate audited financial statements of FlexFIN, LLC for the year ended September 30,
2025 are being filed herewith as Exhibit 99.2. In accordance with Rule 4-08(g), summarized financial information for September 30, 2025
is presented below for NSG Captive Inc. and NVTN LLC.
| 
Balance Sheet | | 
September 30, 2025 | | |
| 
Total Assets | | 
$ | 335,887 | | |
| 
Total Liabilities | | 
| 293,589 | | |
| 
Income Statement | | 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2025 | | |
| 
Total Income | | 
$ | 68,791 | | |
| 
Total Expenses | | 
| 71,448 | | |
| 
Net Income | | 
$ | (2,656 | ) | |
**Note 4.
Fair Value Measurements**
The
Company follows ASC 820 for measuring the fair value of portfolio investments. Fair value is the price that would be received in the
sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where
available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters, or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable
prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation models involve some level of management estimation
and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments complexity.
The Companys fair value analysis includes an analysis of the value of any unfunded loan commitments. Financial investments recorded
at fair value in the consolidated financial statements are categorized for disclosure purposes based upon the level of judgment associated
with the inputs used to measure their value. The valuation hierarchical levels are based upon the transparency of the inputs to the valuation
of the investment as of the measurement date. Investments which are valued using NAV as a practical expedient are excluded from this
hierarchy, and certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The three levels are
defined below:
| 
| 
| 
Level 1 - Valuations based
on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. | |
| 
| 
| 
Level 2 - Valuations based
on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. | |
| 
| 
| 
Level 3 - Valuations based
on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. | |
F-28
**Note 4.
Fair Value Measurements (continued)**
In
addition to using the above inputs in investment valuations, the Company continues to employ a valuation policy approved by the board
of directors that is consistent with ASC 820 (see Note 2). Consistent with our valuation policy, we evaluate the source of inputs, including
any markets in which our investments are trading, in determining fair value.
The
following table presents the fair value measurements of our investments, by major class according to the fair value hierarchy, as of
September 30, 2025 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Fair
Value Hierarchy as of September 30, 2025 | | |
| 
Investments: | | 
Level
1 | | | 
Level
2 | | | 
Level
3 | | | 
Total | | |
| 
Senior Secured First Lien Term
Loans | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 27,586 | | | 
$ | 88,981 | | | 
$ | 116,567 | | |
| 
Senior Secured Notes | | 
| - | | | 
| 10,460 | | | 
| 6,997 | | | 
| 17,457 | | |
| 
Equity/Warrants | | 
| 37,812 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 128,209 | | | 
| 166,021 | | |
| 
Total | | 
$ | 37,812 | | | 
$ | 38,046 | | | 
$ | 224,187 | | | 
$ | 300,045 | | |
| 
Investments
measured at net asset value(1) | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| 2,227 | | |
| 
Total Investments, at
fair value | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
$ | 302,272 | | |
| 
(1) | Certain investments that are measured at fair value using NAV have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amount presented in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. | 
|
The
following table presents the fair value measurements of our investments, by major class according to the fair value hierarchy, as of
September 30, 2024 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Fair
Value Hierarchy as of September 30, 2024 | | |
| 
Investments: | | 
Level
1 | | | 
Level
2 | | | 
Level
3 | | | 
Total | | |
| 
Senior Secured First Lien Term
Loans | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 45,003 | | | 
$ | 68,987 | | | 
$ | 113,990 | | |
| 
Senior Secured Notes | | 
| - | | | 
| 11,054 | | | 
| 7,422 | | | 
| 18,476 | | |
| 
Equity/Warrants | | 
| 30,044 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 63,881 | | | 
| 93,925 | | |
| 
Total | | 
$ | 30,044 | | | 
$ | 56,057 | | | 
$ | 140,290 | | | 
$ | 226,391 | | |
| 
Investments
measured at net asset value(1) | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| 1,525 | | |
| 
Total Investments, at
fair value | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
$ | 227,916 | | |
****
| 
(1) | Certain
investments that are measured at fair value using NAV have not been categorized in the fair
value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation
of the fair value hierarchy to the amount presented in the Consolidated Statements of Assets
and Liabilities. | 
|
The
following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for investments that use Level 3 inputs for the year ended
September 30, 2025 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Senior
Secured First Lien TermLoans | | | 
Senior
Secured Notes | | | 
Equities/
Warrants | | | 
Total | | |
| 
Balance as of September 30, 2024 | | 
$ | 68,987 | | | 
$ | 7,422 | | | 
$ | 63,881 | | | 
$ | 140,290 | | |
| 
Purchases and other adjustments to cost | | 
| 68,553 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 84,494 | | | 
| 153,047 | | |
| 
Sales (including repayments or maturities) | | 
| (36,901 | ) | | 
| (425 | ) | | 
| (15,764 | ) | | 
| (53,090 | ) | |
| 
Net realized gains/(losses) from investments | | 
| (11,601 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| (1,771 | ) | | 
| (13,372 | ) | |
| 
Net unrealized gains/(losses) | | 
| 7,826 | | | 
| - | | | 
| (2,519 | ) | | 
| 5,307 | | |
| 
Transfer in/(out) | | 
| (7,883 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| (112 | ) | | 
| (7,995 | ) | |
| 
Balance as of September 30, 2025 | | 
$ | 88,981 | | | 
$ | 6,997 | | | 
$ | 128,209 | | | 
$ | 224,187 | | |
F-29
**Note
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)**
The
following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for investments that use Level 3 inputs for the year ended
September 30, 2024 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
Senior
Secured 
First Lien 
TermLoans | | | 
Senior
Secured 
Notes | | | 
Equities/
Warrants | | | 
Total | | |
| 
Balance as of September 30, 2023 | | 
$ | 82,499 | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 82,817 | | | 
$ | 165,316 | | |
| 
Purchases and other adjustments to cost | | 
| 31,590 | | | 
| 34,000 | | | 
| 50,146 | | | 
| 115,736 | | |
| 
Sales (including repayments or maturities) | | 
| (32,879 | ) | | 
| (26,578 | ) | | 
| (63,578 | ) | | 
| (123,035 | ) | |
| 
Net realized gains/(losses) from investments | | 
| (8,728 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| 15,331 | | | 
| 6,603 | | |
| 
Net unrealized gains/(losses) | | 
| 19,634 | | | 
| - | | | 
| (20,835 | ) | | 
| (1,201 | ) | |
| 
Transfer in/(out) | | 
| (23,129 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (23,129 | ) | |
| 
Balance as of September 30, 2024 | | 
$ | 68,987 | | | 
$ | 7,422 | | | 
$ | 63,881 | | | 
$ | 140,290 | | |
Net
change in unrealized gain (loss) for the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 included in earnings related to Level 3 investments
still held as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 was approximately $(5.7) million and $2.1 million, respectively.
Purchases
and other adjustments to cost include purchases of new investments at cost, effects of refinancing/restructuring, accretion/amortization
of income from discount/premium on debt securities, and PIK.
Sales
represent net proceeds received from investments sold, including any repayments or maturities.
A
review of the fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs
may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets or liabilities. Reclassifications impacting Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy
are reported as transfers in/out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which the reclassifications occur. During
the year ended September 30, 2025, $7.9 million of investments were transferred out of Level 3 and no investments were transferred into
Level 3. During the year ended September 30, 2024, $23.1 million of investments were transferred out of Level 3 and no investments were
transferred into Level 3.
The
following table presents the quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements of our investments, as of September 30, 2025
(dollars in thousands):
| | | Fair Value | | | Valuation Methodology | | Unobservable Input | | Range (Weighted Average) | | Impact to Valuation From An Increase In Input | |
| Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans | | $ | 74,485 | | | Income Approach | | Market Yield | | 3.3% - 14.5% (10.0%) | | Decrease | |
| Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans | | | 13,428 | | | Market Approach | | EBITDA Multiple | | 1.8x - 2.8x (2.3x) | | Increase | |
| Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans | | | 997 | | | Market Approach | | Market Spread | | 4.8% - 5.5% (5.1%) | | Increase | |
| Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans | | | 71 | | | Recent Purchase | | Purchase Price | | N/A | | N/A | |
| Senior Secured Notes | | | 6,997 | | | Cost Approach | | Collateral Value | | N/A | | N/A | |
| Equity/Warrants | | | 78,255 | | | Market Approach | | EBITDA Multiple | | 1.3x - 13.0x (11.0x) | | Increase | |
| Equity/Warrants | | | 37,181 | | | Cost Approach | | Replacement Cost | | N/A | | N/A | |
| Equity/Warrants | | | 3,948 | | | Market Approach | | Market Quote | | N/A | | N/A | |
| Equity/Warrants | | | 6,000 | | | Market Approach | | Revenue Multiple | | 2.5x-3.0x (2.8x) | | Increase | |
| Equity/Warrants | | | 2,725 | | | Income Approach | | Market Yield | | 28.3%-28.8% (28.5%) | | Decrease | |
| Equity/Warrants | | | 100 | | | Cost Approach | | Collateral Value | | N/A | | N/A | |
| Total | | $ | 224,187 | | | | | | | | | | |
F-30
**Note 4.
Fair Value Measurements (continued)**
The
following table presents the quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements of our investments, as of September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands):
| | | Fair Value | | | Valuation Methodology | | Unobservable Input | | Range (Weighted Average) | | Impact to Valuation From An Increase In Input | |
| Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans | | $ | 65,236 | | | Income Approach | | Market Yield | | 3.5% - 42.5% (15.3%) | | Decrease | |
| Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans | | | 2,399 | | | Market Approach | | EBITDA Multiple | | 1.8x - 2.3x (2.0x) | | Increase | |
| Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans | | | 1,002 | | | Market Approach | | Market Spread | | 4.5% - 5.0% (4.75%) | | Decrease | |
| Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans | | | 350 | | | Cost Approach | | Collateral Value | | N/A | | N/A | |
| Senior Secured Notes | | | 7,422 | | | Recent Purchase | | Purchase Price | | N/A | | N/A | |
| Equity/Warrants | | | 36,683 | | | Cost Approach | | Collateral Value | | N/A | | N/A | |
| Equity/Warrants | | | 27,014 | | | Market Approach | | EBITDA Multiple | | 4.3x - 10.3x (8.4x) | | Increase | |
| Equity/Warrants | | | 101 | | | Recent Purchase | | Purchase Price | | N/A | | N/A | |
| Equity/Warrants | | | 83 | | | Income Approach | | DLOM (Discount for lack of Marketability) | | 27.0% - 31.0% (29.0%) | | Decrease | |
| Total | | $ | 140,290 | | | | | | | | | | |
The
significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Companys debt and derivative investments are market
yields. Increases in market yields would result in lower fair value measurements.
The
significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Companys equity/warrants investments are comparable
company multiples of revenue or EBITDA for the latest twelve months (LTM), next twelve months (NTM) or a
reasonable period a market participant would consider. Increases in EBITDA multiples in isolation would result in higher fair value measurement.
**Note
5. Borrowings**
As
a BDC, we are generally only allowed to employ leverage to the extent that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at
least200% after giving effect to such leverage. The amount of leverage that we employ at any time depends on our assessment of
the market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing.
However,
in March 2018, the Small Business Credit Availability Act modified the 1940 Act by allowing a BDC to increase the maximum amount of leverage
it may incur from200% to150% of asset coverage, if certain requirements under the 1940 Act are met. Under the 1940 Act, we
are allowed to increase our leverage capacity if stockholders representing at least a majority of the votes cast, when a quorum is present,
approve a proposal to do so. If we receive stockholder approval, we would be allowed to increase our leverage capacity on the first day
after such approval. Alternatively, the 1940 Act allows the majority of our independent directors to approve an increase in our leverage
capacity, and such approval would become effective after the one-year anniversary of such approval. In either case, we would be required
to make certain disclosures on our website and in SEC filings regarding, among other things, the receipt of approval to increase our
leverage, our leverage capacity and usage, and risks related to leverage.No approval was requested or obtained and the Company
is still subject to the200% requirement.
As
of September 30, 2025, the Companys asset coverage was 207.8% after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Companys
asset coverage was greater than 200%, the minimum asset coverage requirement applicable presently to the Company under the 1940 Act.
As
of September 30, 2024, the Companys asset coverage was 216.8% after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Companys
asset coverage was greater than 200%, the minimum asset coverage requirement applicable presently to the Company under the 1940 Act.
The
Companys outstanding debt excluding debt issuance costs as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
September
30, 2025 | | | 
September
30, 2024 | | |
| 
| | 
Aggregate
Principal 
Available(1) | | | 
Principal
Amount 
Outstanding | | | 
Carrying
Value | | | 
Fair
Value | | | 
Aggregate
Principal 
Available(1) | | | 
Principal
Amount 
Outstanding | | | 
Carrying
Value | | | 
Fair
Value | | |
| 
2028
Notes | | 
$ | 57,500 | | | 
$ | 57,500 | | | 
$ | 56,477 | | | 
$ | 55,154 | | | 
$ | 57,500 | | | 
$ | 57,500 | | | 
$ | 56,143 | | | 
$ | 51,980 | | |
| 
2028
Promissory Note | | 
| 1,661 | | | 
| 1,661 | | | 
| 1,543 | | | 
| 1,594 | | | 
| 1,661 | | | 
| 1,661 | | | 
| 1,508 | | | 
| 1,661 | | |
| 
Revolving
Credit Facility | | 
| 10,008 | | | 
| 89,992 | | | 
| 89,992 | | | 
| 89,992 | | | 
| 9,427 | | | 
| 78,073 | | | 
| 78,073 | | | 
| 78,073 | | |
| 
Total
debt | | 
$ | 69,169 | | | 
$ | 149,153 | | | 
$ | 148,012 | | | 
$ | 146,740 | | | 
$ | 68,588 | | | 
$ | 137,234 | | | 
$ | 135,724 | | | 
$ | 131,714 | | |
****
| 
(1) | For the 2028 Notes and 2028 Promissory Note, this represents the total principal amount and for the Revolving Credit Facility, this represents the undrawn principal amount. | 
|
****
F-31
****
**Note 5.
Borrowings (continued)**
**Credit
Facility**
On
December 15, 2022, the Company entered into a 3 year $50.0 million revolving credit facility (the Credit Facility) with
Woodforest National Bank (Woodforest). Woodforest is the administrative agent, sole bookrunner and sole lead arranger.
The Credit Facility has a maturity date of December 15, 2025.
On
January 17, 2023, the Company borrowed $23.2 million under the Credit Facility and used these proceeds to redeem $22.6 million in aggregate
principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2023 Notes, comprising all issued and outstanding 2023 Notes. The 2023 Notes were redeemed
at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from September 30, 2022 through, but excluding January 17,
2023 (the Redemption Date).
On
February 21, 2024 (the First Amendment Effective Date), in order to increase the size of the Credit Facility, the parties
to the Credit Facility amended the terms of the Credit Facility, effective as of the First Amendment Effective Date (the First
Amendment). The First Amendment increased the principal amount of loan available under the Credit Facility by $12.5 million to
$62.5 million. All other material terms of the Credit Facility remain unchanged.
On
August 5, 2024 (the Second Amendment Effective Date), in order to increase the size of the Credit Facility, the parties
to the Credit Facility amended the Credit Facility, effective as of the Second Amendment Effective Date (the Second Amendment).
The Second Amendment increased the principal amount of loan available under the Credit Facility by $25 million to $87.5 million. All
other material terms of the Credit Facility remain unchanged.
On
April 17, 2025 (the Third Amendment Effective Date), in order to extend the term and increase the size of the Credit Facility,
the parties to the Credit Facility amended the terms of the Credit Facility, effective as of the Third Amendment Effective Date (the
Third Amendment). The Third Amendment increased the principal amount of the loan available under the Credit Facility by
$12.5 million to $100.0 million (with potential access to up to an additional $50.0 million pursuant to an uncommitted accordion provision)
and appointed BankUnited, N.A. to assume all agency and syndication responsibilities from the prior agent and lenders. Outstanding loans
under the terms of the Amendment bear a monthly interest rate ranging from ABR + 1.35% to ABR + 1.75% for any alternative base rate loans
and from Term SOFR + 2.35% to Term SOFR + 2.75% for any term benchmark loans based on the total debt to tangible net worth ratio. The
Amendment also extended the term of the credit facility to April 17, 2030, five years from the Third Amendment Effective Date. Other
material terms remain substantially unchanged.
Under
the Credit Facility, the Company is required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements
for similar revolving credit facilities, including, without limitation, covenants related to: (a) limitations on the incurrence of additional
indebtedness and liens, (b) limitations on certain investments, (c) limitations on certain restricted payments, (d) maintaining a certain
minimum stockholders equity, (e) maintaining a ratio of total assets to total indebtedness of the Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions) of not less than 2.0:1.0, (f) limitations on pledging certain unencumbered assets, and (g)
limitations on the creation or existence of agreements that prohibit liens on certain properties of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.
These covenants are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the documents governing the Credit Facility.
Amounts available to borrow under the Credit Facility (and the incurrence of certain other permitted debt) are also subject to compliance
with a borrowing base that applies different advance rates to different types of assets (based on their value as determined pursuant
to the Credit Facility) that are pledged as collateral. As of September 30, 2025, the Company was in compliance in all respects with
the terms of the Credit Facility.
As
of September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, there was $90.0 million and $78.1 million outstanding, respectively, under the Credit Facility.
F-32
**Note
5. Borrowings (continued)**
Outstanding
loans under the Credit Facility bear a monthly interest rate at Term SOFR + 2.50%. The Company is also subject to a commitment fee of
0.25%, which shall accrue on the actual daily amount of the undrawn portion of the revolving credit.
**Unsecured
Notes**
**2023
Notes**
On
March 18, 2013, the Company issued $60.0million in aggregate principal amount of6.125% unsecured notes that matured onMarch
30, 2023(the 2023 Notes). On March 26, 2013, the Company closed an additional $3.5million in aggregate principal
amount of the 2023 Notes, pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional notes. As of March
30, 2016, the 2023 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Companys option. The 2023
Notes bore interest at a rate of6.125% per year, payable quarterly on March 30, June 30, September 30 and December 30 of each year,
beginning June 30, 2013.
On
December 12, 2016, the Company entered into an At-The-Market (ATM) debt distribution agreement with FBR Capital
Markets & Co., through which the Company could offer for sale, from time to time, up to $40.0million in aggregate principal
amount of the 2023 Notes. The Company sold1,573,872of the 2023 Notes at an average price of $25.03per note, and raised
$38.6million in net proceeds, through the ATM debt distribution agreement.
On
March 10, 2018, the Company redeemed $13.0million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. On December 31, 2018, the Company
redeemed $12.0million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The redemption was accounted for as a debt extinguishment
in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized loss of $0.3million and was recorded
on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt.
On
December 21, 2020, the Company announced that it completed the application process for and was authorized to transfer the listing of
the 2023 Notes to the NASDAQ Global Market. The listing and trading of the 2023 Notes on the NYSE ceased at the close of trading on December
31, 2020. Effective January 4, 2021, the 2023 Notes began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol PFXNL.
On
November 15, 2021, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of the 2023 Notes regarding the Companys exercise of
its option to redeem $55,325,000in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2023 Notes on December 16, 2021. On
December 16, 2021, the Company redeemed $55,325,000in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2023 Notes. The
redemption was accounted for as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted
in a realized loss of $0.3million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of
debt.
On
December 15, 2022, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of its 2023 Notes regarding the Companys exercise of
its option to redeem $22,521,800in aggregate principal amount of issued and outstanding 2023 Notes, comprising all issued and outstanding
2023 Notes, at a price equal to100% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from September
30, 2022, through, but excluding, January 17, 2023 in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the 2023 Notes. The redemption
was completed on January 17, 2023. The Company funded the redemption of the 2023 Notes with loans obtained under the Credit Facility.
****
**2028
Notes**
****
On
November 9, 2021, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement, by and between the Company and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., as representative
of the several underwriters, in connection with the issuance and sale (the Offering) of $57,500,000(including the
underwriters option to purchase up to $7,500,000aggregate principal amount) in aggregate principal amount of its5.25%
Notes that mature onNovember 1, 2028(the 2028 Notes or the Notes). The Offering occurred on November
15, 2021, pursuant to the Companys effective shelf registration statement on Form N-2 previously filed with the SEC. Effective
November 16, 2021, the 2028 Notes began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol PFXNZ.
F-33
****
**Note
5. Borrowings (continued)**
On
November 15, 2021, the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, entered into a Fourth Supplemental Indenture to its base
Indenture, dated February 7, 2012, between the Company and the Trustee. The Fourth Supplemental Indenture relates to the Offering of
the 2028 Notes.
**2028
Promissory Note**
****
On
May 2, 2024, the Company issued a5.25% note due November 1, 2028 in the principal amount of $1,661,498to National Security
Insurance Company (the 2028 Promissory Note). The financial terms of the note are substantially the same as the 2028 Notes.
*Fair
Value of Debt Obligations*
The
fair values of our debt obligations are determined in accordance with ASC 820, which defines fair value in terms of the price that would
be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions.
The fair value of the 2028 Notes, which are publicly traded, is based upon closing market quotes as of the measurement date. As of September
30, 2025 the 2028 Notes are deemed to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy, as defined in Note 4. As of September 30, 2025 and September
30, 2024, the 2028 Promissory Note is deemed to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, as defined in Note 4. As of September 30, 2025
and September 30, 2024, the Credit Facility is deemed to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, as defined in Note 4.
Debt
issuance costs related to the 2028 Notes are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a direct deduction
from the face amount of the 2028 Notes.As of September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, debt issuance costs related to the 2023
Notes and the 2028 Notes were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
For the year
ended | | | 
For the year
ended | | |
| 
| | 
September
30, 2025 | | | 
September
30, 2024 | | |
| 
| | 
2028
Notes | | | 
2028
Promissory 
Note | | | 
Total | | | 
2028
Notes | | | 
2028
Promissory 
Note | | | 
Total | | |
| 
Total
debt issuance costs at beginning of period | | 
$ | 1,357 | | | 
$ | 154 | | | 
$ | 1,511 | | | 
$ | 1,689 | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 1,689 | | |
| 
Debt
issuance costs during the period | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| 169 | | | 
| 169 | | |
| 
Amortized
debt issuance costs | | 
| 334 | | | 
| 36 | | | 
| 370 | | | 
| 332 | | | 
| 15 | | | 
| 347 | | |
| 
Unamortized
debt issuance costs | | 
$ | 1,023 | | | 
$ | 118 | | | 
$ | 1,141 | | | 
$ | 1,357 | | | 
$ | 154 | | | 
$ | 1,511 | | |
For
the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the components of interest expense, amortized debt issuance costs, amortized deferred
financing costs, weighted average stated interest rate and weighted average outstanding debt balance for the 2023 Notes, 2028 Notes and
Credit Facility were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
For
the Years Ended September 30, | | |
| 
| | 
2025 | | | 
2024 | | | 
2023 | | |
| 
2023 Notes Interest | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 410 | | |
| 
2028 Notes Interest | | 
| 3,020 | | | 
| 3,019 | | | 
| 3,019 | | |
| 
2028 Promissory Note | | 
| 87 | | | 
| 36 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Credit facility interest | | 
| 6,141 | | | 
| 2,533 | | | 
| 1,390 | | |
| 
Commitment fees | | 
| (8 | ) | | 
| 108 | | | 
| 56 | | |
| 
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | 
| 559 | | | 
| 566 | | | 
| 287 | | |
| 
Amortization of debt issuance costs | | 
| 369 | | | 
| 347 | | | 
| 370 | | |
| 
Other | | 
| 111 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Total | | 
$ | 10,279 | | | 
$ | 6,609 | | | 
| 5,532 | | |
| 
Weighted average stated interest rate | | 
| 6.5 | % | | 
| 6.3 | % | | 
| 5.9 | % | |
| 
Weighted average debt outstanding | | 
$ | 144,153 | | | 
$ | 88,467 | | | 
$ | 81,600 | | |
****
F-34
****
**Note 6.
Agreements**
**Administration
Agreement**
In
connection with the adoption by the board of directors of an internalized management structure, on November 19, 2020, the Company entered
into a Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement and an Administration Servicing Agreement on customary terms with U.S. Bancorp. A U.S. Bancorp
affiliate also served as the Companys custodian. The Companys administrative and custodial relationship with U.S. Bancorp
terminated on August 9, 2022. SS&C has since served as administrator of the Company and has provided the Company with fund accounting
and financial reporting services pursuant to the services agreement with the Company. Effective September 12, 2022, Computershare serves
as custodian for the Company pursuant to its Loan Administration and Custodial Agreement with the Company. For the years ended September
30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we incurred $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.3 million in administrator expenses, respectively.
As
of September 30, 2025 and 2024, $0.0 million and $0.0 million, respectively, were included in administrator expenses payable
in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
**Long-Term
Cash Incentive Plan**
On
May 9, 2022, the board of directors of the Company adopted the PhenixFIN 2022 Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (the CIP) pursuant
to the recommendation by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors. The CIP provides for performance-based cash awards to
key employees of the Company, as approved by the Compensation Committee, based on the achievement of pre-established financial goals
for the approved performance period. The performance goals may be expressed as one or a combination of net asset value of the Company,
net asset value per share of the Companys common stock, changes in the market price of shares of the Companys common stock,
individual performance metrics and/or such other goals and objectives the Committee considers relevant in connection with accomplishing
the purposes of the CIP.
In
connection with the approval of the CIP, the Compensation Committee in April 2022, approved awards for the three-year performance period
commencing on October 1, 2021 and ending on September 30, 2024 (the 2022 LTIP Plan). Each participant is eligible to receive
an amount of cash equal to a percentage of the target award amount set forth above based on the factors described above. The Compensation
Committee, in approving the awards, evaluated each Performance Goal separately.
In December
2022, pursuant to the CIP, the Compensation Committee approved awards for Mr. Lorber and Ms. McMillan for the three-year performance
period commencing on October 1, 2022 and ending on September 30, 2025 (the 2023 LTIP Plan). Each participant is eligible
to receive an amount of cash equal to a percentage of the target award amount set forth above based on the factors described above. The
Compensation Committee, in approving the awards, evaluated each Performance Goal separately.
In
December 2023, pursuant to the CIP, the Compensation Committee approved awards for Mr. Lorber and Ms. McMillan for the three-year performance
period commencing on October 1, 2023 and ending on September 30, 2026 (the 2024 LTIP Plan). Each participant is eligible
to receive an amount of cash equal to a percentage of their target award amount set forth above based on the factors described above.
The Compensation Committee, in approving the awards, evaluated each Performance Goal separately.
In
December 2024, pursuant to the CIP, the Compensation Committee approved awards for Mr. Lorber and Ms. McMillan for the three-year performance
period commencing on October 1, 2024 and ending on September 30, 2027 (the 2025 LTIP Plan). Each participant is eligible
to receive an amount of cash equal to a percentage of their target award amount set forth above based on the factors described above.
The threshold, target, and maximum performance levels are structured similar to those of the 2022 LTIP Plan. The Compensation Committee,
in approving the awards, evaluated each Performance Goal separately.
F-35
**Note 6.
Agreements (continued)**
The
Target Performance Award for each executive officer for the 2023 LTIP Plan, the 2024 LTIP Plan, and the 2025 LTIP Plan is set forth in
the tables below:
| 
Name and
Title | | 
2023
LTIP 
DollarValue 
of Target 
Award | | |
| 
David Lorber, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer | | 
$ | 890,000 | | |
| 
Ellida McMillan, Chief Financial Officer | | 
| 380,000 | | |
****
| 
Name and
Title | | 
2024
LTIP DollarValue of Target Award | | |
| 
David Lorber, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer | | 
$ | 890,000 | | |
| 
Ellida McMillan, Chief Financial Officer | | 
| 380,000 | | |
****
| 
Name and
Title | | 
2025
LTIP DollarValue of Target Award | | |
| 
David Lorber, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer | | 
$ | 1,000,000 | | |
| 
Ellida McMillan, Chief Financial Officer | | 
| 425,000 | | |
During
the years ended September 30, 2025, September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 the Company recorded an expense of $1,425,922, $2,798,437
and $317,000, respectively, for these awards. During the year ended September 30, 2025, the Company paid out $2,002,790 for the 2022
LTIP Plan based on achievement of the Performance Goals. During the year ended September 30, 2024, the Company did not pay out anything
for these awards.
**Note 7.
Related Party Transactions**
****
During
the year ended September 30, 2024, the Company entered into a related party transaction with NVTN LLC whereby the $11.9 million of equity
of Maritime Wireless Holdings LLC was transferred to NVTN LLC.
The
Company has entered into contracts with its affiliated portfolio companies, The National Security Group (and certain of its affiliates)
and ECC Capital Corporation, pursuant to which the Company (and/or certain of its subsidiaries) provide such affiliated portfolio companies
certain services, including managing a portion of their investment assets. During the year ended September 30, 2025, the Company recognized
$0.7 million of income related to these contracts.
**Due
from/to Affiliates**
****
Due
from affiliates at September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024 consists of certain legal and general and administrative expenses paid by
the Company on behalf of certain of its affiliates. Due to affiliates at September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024 consists of certain
expenses payable by the Company to certain of its affiliates.
F-36
**Note 8.
Commitments**
**Unfunded
commitments**
As
of September 30, 2025 and 2024, we had commitments under loan and financing agreements to fund up to $5.5 million to six portfolio companies
and $1.6 million to two portfolio companies, respectively. These commitments are primarily composed of senior secured delayed draw term
loans and revolvers, and the determination of their fair value is included in the Consolidated Schedules of Investments. The commitments
are generally subject to the borrowers meeting certain criteria such as compliance with covenants and certain operational metrics. The
terms of the borrowings and financings subject to commitment are comparable to the terms of other loan and equity securities in our portfolio.
The Company maintains adequate liquidity to fund its unfunded commitments. A summary of the composition of the unfunded commitments as
of September 30, 2025 and 2024 is shown in the table below (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
September30,
2025 | | | 
September30,
2024 | | |
| 
MB
Precision Investment Holdings LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Revolver | | 
$ | 85 | | | 
$ | - | | |
| 
MB
Precision Investment Holdings LLC - Senior Secured Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
| 1,521 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
PREIT
Associates - Revolver | | 
| 61 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
PSB
Group, LLC - Revolver | | 
| 472 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
SS
Acquisition, LLC (dba Soccer Shots Franchising) - Revolver | | 
| 1,029 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Tamarix
Capital Partners II, L.P. - Fund Investment | | 
| 865 | | | 
| 1,313 | | |
| 
WHI
Global, LLC - Revolver | | 
| 1,484 | | | 
| - | | |
| 
XYZ
Roofco, LLC (dba SMC Roofing Solutions LLC) - First Out Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
| - | | | 
| 57 | | |
| 
XYZ
Roofco, LLC (dba SMC Roofing Solutions LLC) - Last Out Delayed Draw Term Loan | | 
| - | | | 
| 246 | | |
| 
Total
unfunded commitments | | 
$ | 5,517 | | | 
$ | 1,616 | | |
**Lease
obligations**
The
Company evaluates its leases to determine whether they should be classified as operating or financing leases. PhenixFIN identified one
operating lease for its office space. The lease commenced September 5, 2021. On December 18, 2024, the Company amended the terms of the
lease, extending the lease term until August 31, 2035, with a right to terminate on the 36th and 60th month anniversaries of September
5, 2025, as well as any time on or after the 84th month anniversary of September 5, 2025.
Upon
entering into the lease on September 5, 2021, PhenixFIN recorded a right-of-use asset and a lease liability as of that date.
As
of September 30, 2025 and 2024, the asset related to the operating lease was $2.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and is included
in the Other assets balance on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of September 30, 2025 and 2024, the lease liability was $2.4 million
and $0.3, million, respectively, and is included in the Other liabilities balance on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
As of September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, the remaining lease term was approximately ten years and two years, respectively, and
the implied borrowing rate was 6.85% and 5.25% for September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively.
The
following table shows future minimum payments under PhenixFINs operating lease as of September 30, 2025:
| 
For the
Years Ended September 30, | | 
Amount | | |
| 
2026 | | 
$ | 184,538 | | |
| 
2027 | | 
| 325,261 | | |
| 
2028 | | 
| 335,019 | | |
| 
2029 | | 
| 345,070 | | |
| 
2030 | | 
| 355,422 | | |
| 
Thereafter | | 
| 1,908,314 | | |
| 
| | 
| 3,453,624 | | |
| 
Difference between undiscounted
and discounted cash flows | | 
| (1,014,219 | ) | |
| 
| | 
$ | 2,439,405 | | |
****
F-37
**Note 9.
Fee Income**
Fee
income consists of amendment fees, prepayment penalty and other miscellaneous fees which are non-recurring in nature, as well as administrative
agent fees and management fees, which are recurring in nature. The following table summarizes the Companys fee income for the
years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 (dollars in thousands):
| 
| | 
For
the Years Ended September 30, | | |
| 
| | 
2025 | | | 
2024 | | | 
2023 | | |
| 
Prepayment fee | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | |
| 
Administrative agent fee | | 
| 5 | | | 
| 75 | | | 
| 169 | | |
| 
Amendment fee | | 
| 8 | | | 
| - | | | 
| 53 | | |
| 
Management fee | | 
| 72 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Other fees | | 
| 907 | | | 
| 440 | | | 
| 102 | | |
| 
Fee
income | | 
$ | 992 | | | 
$ | 515 | | | 
$ | 324 | | |
**Note 10.
Directors Fees**
From
May 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024, the Companys independent directors received an annual fee of $150,000. In addition, the lead
independent director received an annual retainer of $30,000; the chair of the Audit Committee received an annual retainer of $25,000,
and each of its other members received an annual retainer of $12,500; and the chairs of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
and of the Compensation Committee each received an annual retainer of $15,000 and each of the other members of these committees received
annual retainers of $8,000. The Companys independent directors no longer receive fees for each board and committee meeting that
they attend.
Effective
October 1, 2024, the structure was modified such that each of the Companys independent directors receives an annual fee of $165,000.
In addition, the lead independent director receives an annual retainer of $30,000; the chair of the Audit Committee receives an annual
retainer of $19,000 and each of its other members receives an annual retainer of $12,500; the chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee receives an annual retainer of $12,000 and each of its other members receives an annual retainer of $11,000; and the chair
of the Compensation Committee receives an annual retainer of $15,000 and each of its other members receives an annual retainer of $11,000.
No
board service compensation is paid to directors who are interested persons of the Company (as such term is defined in the
1940 Act). For the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized $0.8 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million
for directors fees expense, respectively.
****
**Note 11.
Earnings Per Share**
In
accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 260 - Earnings per Share, basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available
to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Other potentially dilutive common shares,
and the related impact to earnings, are considered when calculating earnings per share on a diluted basis. The Company does not have
any potentially dilutive common shares as of September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
The
following information sets forth the computation of the weighted average basic and diluted net increase/(decrease) in net assets per
share from operations for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 (amounts in thousands, except shares and per share amounts):
| 
| | 
For
the Year Ended September 30, | | |
| 
| | 
2025 | | | 
2024 | | | 
2023 | | |
| 
Basic and diluted: | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
Net increase (decrease) in net
assets resulting from operations | | 
$ | 4,156 | | | 
$ | 18,619 | | | 
$ | 26,918 | | |
| 
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
- basic and diluted | | 
| 2,015,157 | | | 
| 2,040,253 | | | 
| 2,092,326 | | |
| 
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock -
basic and diluted | | 
$ | 2.06 | | | 
$ | 9.13 | | | 
$ | 12.87 | | |
F-38
**Note 12.
Financial Highlights**
****
The following
is a schedule of financial highlights for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| 
| | 
For
the Year Ended September 30, | | |
| 
| | 
2025 | | | 
2024 | | | 
2023 | | | 
2022 | | | 
2021 | | |
| 
Per share data | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | | 
| | |
| 
Net Asset Value
per share at Beginning of Period | | 
$ | 79.37 | | | 
$ | 70.75 | | | 
$ | 57.49 | | | 
$ | 57.08 | | | 
$ | 55.30 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Results of Operations: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Net
Investment Income/(Loss)(1) | | 
| 2.55 | | | 
| 2.32 | | | 
| 3.11 | | | 
| 1.48 | | | 
| 6.92 | | |
| 
Net
Realized Gain/(Loss) on Investments | | 
| (5.92 | ) | | 
| 3.57 | | | 
| (5.51 | ) | | 
| 2.24 | | | 
| (15.86 | ) | |
| 
Net
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments | | 
| 5.33 | | | 
| 2.81 | | | 
| 15.27 | | | 
| (6.22 | ) | | 
| 9.47 | | |
| 
Net
loss on extinguishment of debt | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| (0.13 | ) | | 
| (0.05 | ) | |
| 
Deferred
tax benefit (expense) | | 
| 0.10 | | | 
| 0.43 | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | | 
| - | | |
| 
Net Increase
(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | | 
| 2.06 | | | 
| 9.13 | | | 
| 12.87 | | | 
| (2.63 | ) | | 
| 0.48 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Capital Share Transactions | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Distributions
declared | | 
| (1.43 | ) | | 
| (1.31 | ) | | 
| - | | | 
| (0.12 | ) | | 
| - | | |
| 
Repurchase
of common stock under stock repurchase program(2) | | 
| 0.24 | | | 
| 0.80 | | | 
| 0.39 | | | 
| 3.16 | | | 
| 1.30 | | |
| 
Net
Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | | 
| (1.19 | ) | | 
| (0.51 | ) | | 
| 0.39 | | | 
| 3.04 | | | 
| 1.30 | | |
| 
Net
Asset Value per share at End of Period | | 
$ | 80.24 | | | 
$ | 79.37 | | | 
$ | 70.75 | | | 
$ | 57.49 | | | 
$ | 57.08 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Net Assets
at End of Period | | 
$ | 160,774,300 | | | 
$ | 160,307,773 | | | 
$ | 146,705,535 | | | 
$ | 120,845,408 | | | 
$ | 143,693,981 | | |
| 
Shares Outstanding at End
of Period | | 
| 2,003,769 | | | 
| 2,019,778 | | | 
| 2,073,713 | | | 
| 2,102,129 | | | 
| 2,517,221 | | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Per share market value
at end of period | | 
$ | 47.63 | | | 
$ | 47.60 | | | 
$ | 37.90 | | | 
$ | 34.88 | | | 
$ | 42.90 | | |
| 
Total
return based on market value(3) | | 
| 3.07 | % | | 
| 29.05 | % | | 
| 8.66 | % | | 
| (18.69 | )% | | 
| 140.61 | % | |
| 
Total
return based on net asset value(4) | | 
| 2.09 | % | | 
| 11.08 | % | | 
| 21.40 | % | | 
| (15.90 | )% | | 
| (4.60 | )% | |
| 
Portfolio
turnover rate | | 
| 35.55 | % | | 
| 43.90 | % | | 
| 32.62 | % | | 
| 69.43 | % | | 
| 24.97 | % | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Ratios: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Ratio
of net investment/(loss) income to average net assets after waivers, discounts and reimbursements(5) | | 
| 3.22 | % | | 
| 3.06 | % | | 
| 4.80 | % | | 
| 2.55 | % | | 
| 12.44 | % | |
| 
Ratio
of total expenses to average net assets | | 
| 12.59 | % | | 
| 11.27 | % | | 
| 10.04 | % | | 
| 9.02 | % | | 
| 9.26 | % | |
| 
| | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Supplemental
Data: | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
Percentage
of non-recurring fee income(5) | | 
| 3.93 | % | | 
| 2.32 | % | | 
| 1.61 | % | | 
| 2.70 | % | | 
| 7.94 | % | |
| 
Average
debt outstanding(6) | | 
$ | 144,153,179 | | | 
$ | 88,467,130 | | | 
$ | 81,599,762 | | | 
$ | 85,397,690 | | | 
$ | 82,930,098 | | |
| 
Average debt outstanding
per weighted average common share | | 
$ | 71.53 | | | 
$ | 43.36 | | | 
$ | 39.18 | | | 
$ | 36.75 | | | 
$ | 30.97 | | |
| 
Asset
coverage ratio per unit(7) | | 
$ | 2,078 | | | 
$ | 2,168 | | | 
$ | 2,707 | | | 
$ | 2,550 | | | 
$ | 2,856 | | |
| 
Senior
Securities Outstanding(8) | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | | 
| | | |
| 
2023 Notes | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | 22,521,800 | | | 
$ | 77,846,800 | | |
| 
2028 Notes | | 
$ | 57,500,000 | | | 
$ | 57,500,000 | | | 
$ | 57,500,000 | | | 
$ | 57,500,000 | | | 
$ | - | | |
| 
2028
Promissory Note | | 
$ | 1,661,498 | | | 
$ | 1,661,498 | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | |
| 
Credit
Facility | | 
$ | 89,991,619 | | | 
$ | 78,072,953 | | | 
$ | 28,241,941 | | | 
$ | - | | | 
$ | - | | |
****
| (1) | Net investment income/(loss) excluding management and incentive fee waivers, discounts and reimbursements based on total weighted average common stock outstanding equals $2.55, $2.32, $3.11, $1.48 and $6.92 per share for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. | |
F-39
**Note
12. Financial Highlights (continued)**
| (2) | The amount shown at this caption is the balancing amount derived from the other figures in the schedule. The amount shown at this caption for a share outstanding throughout the period may not agree with the repurchase of common stock because of the timing of repurchase of the Companys shares. | |
| (3) | Total return is historical and assumes changes in share price, reinvestments of all dividends and distributions at prices obtained under the Companys dividend reinvestment plan, and no sales charge for the period. | |
| (4) | Total return is historical and assumes changes in NAV, reinvestments of all dividends at prices obtained under the Companys dividend reinvestment plan, and no sales charges for the period. | |
| (5) | Represents the impact of the non-recurring fees as a percentage of total investment income. | |
| (6) | Based on daily weighted average carrying value of debt outstanding during the period. | |
| (7) | Asset coverage per unit is the ratio of the carrying value of our total consolidated assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness. Asset coverage per unit is expressed in terms of dollar amounts per $1,000 of indebtedness. As of September 30, 2025, the Companys asset coverage was 207.8% after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Companys asset coverage was above 200%, the minimum asset coverage requirement under the 1940 Act. | |
| (8) | Total amount of each class of senior securities outstanding at the end of the period excluding debt issuance costs. | |
**Note 13.
Dividends**
Any
dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Any amounts to be paid out as a dividend are
determined by our board of directors.
We
have adopted an opt out dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a cash dividend
or other distribution, each stockholder that has not opted out of our dividend reinvestment plan will have its dividends
automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock rather than receiving cash dividends. Stockholders who receive distributions
in the form of shares of common stock will be subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as if they received cash
distributions.
On
May 9, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $1.31per share. This dividend was paid on June 10, 2024 to stockholders
of record as of May 27, 2024. The dividends declared during the year ended September 30, 2024 were derived from net investment income,
determined on a tax basis.
On
February 6, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $1.43per share. This dividend was paid on February 19,
2025 to stockholders of record as of February 17, 2025. The dividends declared during the year ended September 30, 2025 were derived
from net investment income, determined on a tax basis. The Company did not declare any regular distribution payments during the years
ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
**Note
14. Share Transactions**
On
February 8, 2023, the Board of Directors approved the expansion of the amount authorized for repurchase under the Companys share
repurchase program from $25million to $35million. Since announcing this share repurchase program on January 11, 2021, the
Company has repurchased an aggregate of719,940 shares of common stock through September 30, 2025 with a total cost of approximately
$28.9million, or26.4% of shares outstanding as of the programs inception. The total remaining amount authorized under
the expanded share repurchase program is approximately $6.1million.
F-40
****
**Note 14.
Share Transactions (continued)**
The
following table sets forth the number of shares of common stock repurchased by the Company at an average price of $40.15 per share under
its share repurchase program from February 10, 2021 through September 30, 2025:
| 
Month
Ended | | 
Shares
Repurchased | | 
Repurchase
Price Per Share | | 
Aggregate
Consideration for 
Repurchased Shares | |
| 
February 2021 | | 
13,082 | | 
$30.25- $30.96 | | 
397,384 | |
| 
March 2021 | | 
12,241 | | 
$30.25- $34.42 | | 
393,938 | |
| 
April 2021 | | 
14,390 | | 
$33.11- $34.89 | | 
491,469 | |
| 
May 2021 | | 
25,075 | | 
$34.56- $39.93 | | 
976,440 | |
| 
August 2021 | | 
141,700 | | 
$41.03- $42.28 | | 
5,944,213 | |
| 
January 2022 | | 
7,312 | | 
$39.07- $40.88 | | 
293,756 | |
| 
February 2022 | | 
170,589 | | 
$39.53- $41.00 | | 
6,908,864 | |
| 
March 2022 | | 
132,054 | | 
$39.24- $40.57 | | 
5,306,885 | |
| 
April 2022 | | 
2,942 | | 
$39.07- $41.00 | | 
117,758 | |
| 
May 2022 | | 
3,391 | | 
$37.70- $39.78 | | 
131,338 | |
| 
June 2022 | | 
3,515 | | 
$37.28- $39.19 | | 
135,063 | |
| 
July 2022 | | 
700 | | 
$36.40- $37.23 | | 
25,864 | |
| 
August 2022 | | 
3,081 | | 
$28.24- $37.79 | | 
112,456 | |
| 
September 2022 | | 
91,508 | | 
$36.80- $37.50 | | 
3,443,845 | |
| 
October 2022 | | 
701 | | 
$35.20- $36.14 | | 
14,434 | |
| 
November 2022 | | 
1,103 | | 
$34.53- $35.28 | | 
38,790 | |
| 
December 2022 | | 
1,501 | | 
$33.26- $34.84 | | 
51,295 | |
| 
January 2023 | | 
2,052 | | 
$32.78- $34.84 | | 
68,665 | |
| 
February 2023 | | 
3,131 | | 
$33.06- $39.03 | | 
115,430 | |
| 
March 2023 | | 
2,003 | | 
$37.02- $38.89 | | 
76,214 | |
| 
April 2023 | | 
649 | | 
$35.79- $37.03 | | 
23,671 | |
| 
May 2023 | | 
100 | | 
$36.53- $36.53 | | 
3,658 | |
| 
June 2023 | | 
2,300 | | 
$33.63- $38.76 | | 
85,556 | |
| 
August 2023 | | 
14,751 | | 
$36.98 - $39.41 | | 
575,728 | |
| 
September 2023 | | 
125 | | 
$38.11 - $38.11 | | 
4,772 | |
| 
November 2023 | | 
475 | | 
$37.03 - $37.78 | | 
17,825 | |
| 
December 2023 | | 
12,748 | | 
$37.53 - $41.03 | | 
520,749 | |
| 
March 2024 | | 
40,000 | | 
$45.03 - $45.03 | | 
1,801,205 | |
| 
April 2024 | | 
700 | | 
$43.76 - $43.76 | | 
30,637 | |
| 
May 2024 | | 
12 | | 
$44.82 - $44.82 | | 
543 | |
| 
June 2025 | | 
15,909 | | 
$50.03 - $50.03 | | 
795,932 | |
| 
September 2025 | | 
100 | | 
$47.68 - $47.68 | | 
4,773 | |
| 
Total | | 
719,940 | | 
| $ | 
28,909,150 | |
As
of September 30, 2025, there were 100 shares that were not yet transferred into treasury.
****
**Note 15.
Segment Reporting**
The
Company has determined that it has a single operating segment in accordance with Topic 280, Segment Reporting (ASC 820).
The Companys Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) is the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.
While the Company derives income and capital appreciation by providing investments to companies across various industries, the Company
and the CODM evaluate and monitor performance of the business on a consolidated basis. Further, each investment is evaluated and managed
using similar processes and shared operations support functions such as deal origination, underwriting, and loan servicing as well as
the administrative functions of human resources, legal, finance, and information technology.
The
CODM uses consolidated net investment income and net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations when allocating resources
and assessing the Companys performance. Net investment income is comprised of consolidated total investment income (segment
revenues) and consolidated total net operating expenses (significant segment expenses). The net increase (decrease)
in net assets resulting from operations is comprised of consolidated net investment income, consolidated net realized gains (losses)
from investments, and consolidated net change in unrealized gains (losses) from investments. These performance metrics are considered
the key segment measure of profit or loss reviewed by the CODM. As the Companys operations comprise of a single reporting segment,
the segment assets are reflected on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as Total Assets, investments held
on the Consolidated Schedule of Investments, and the significant segment expenses are listed on the accompanying Consolidated Statements
of Operations.
****
**Note
16. Subsequent Events**
Management
has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements included herein. Other than the
items disclosed herein, there have been no subsequent events that occurred during such period that would require disclosure in this Form
10-K or would be required to be recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2025.
On
December 8, 2025, the Company redeemed in aggregate its principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2028 Promissory Note, comprising
all issued and outstanding 2028 Promissory Notes, at a price equal tothe closing market price of the 2028 Notes on December 5,
2025, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from November 1, 2025, through, but excluding, December 8, 2025 in accordance with the
terms of the indenture governing the 2028 Promissory Note. The redemption was completed on December 8, 2025.
F-41
**Item
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure**
None.
**Item
9A. Controls and Procedures**
**(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures**
Our
management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2025. The term disclosure controls and procedures is defined under
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), as amended. Based on the evaluation
of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2025, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded
that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
**(b)
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting**
Our
management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f)
and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). Under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management
conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting based on the criteria established in *Internal
ControlIntegrated Framework*issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on
our managements evaluation under the framework in *Internal ControlIntegrated Framework*, management concluded that
our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of September 30, 2025.
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of
any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions,
or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
**(c)
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting**
There
were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
**Item
9B. Other Information**
During
the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2025, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 trading
arrangements or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (in each case, as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K).
**Item
9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.**
None.
69
**PART
III**
**Item
10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance**
The
information required by Item 10 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2024 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of our fiscal year ended September
30, 2025.
**Item
11. Executive Compensation**
The
information required by Item 11 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2025 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of our fiscal year ended September
30, 2025.
**Item
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters**
The
information required by Item 12 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2025 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of our fiscal year ended September
30, 2025.
**Item
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence**
The
information required by Item 13 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2025 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of our fiscal year ended September
30, 2025.
**Item
14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services**
The
information required by Item 14 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2025 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of our fiscal year ended September
30, 2025.
70
****
**PART
IV**
**Item
15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules**
(a)
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report:
The following
financial statements are set forth in Item 8:
| | | Page | |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 185) | | F-1 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 | | F-3 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 | | F-4 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 | | F-5 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 | | F-6 | |
| Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 | | F-7 | |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | | F-15 | |
(b)
Exhibits:
| 
3.1 | 
| 
Certificate
of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.A.3 to the Registrants Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-166491), filed on November 23, 2010). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
3.2 | 
| 
Certificate
of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2020). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
3.3 | 
| 
Certificate
of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 28, 2020). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
3.4 | 
| 
Form
of Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.B.3 to the Registrants Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-166491), filed on November 23, 2010). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
3.5 | 
| 
Amendment
No. 1 to Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 7, 2019). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
3.6 | 
| 
Amendment
No. 2 to Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 28, 2020). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
3.7 | 
| 
Amendment
No. 3 to the Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to theCurrent Report on Form 8-K filed February 16, 2021.) | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
4.1 | 
| 
Form
of Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.D to the Registrants Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-166491), filed on November 23, 2010). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
4.2 | 
| 
Indenture,
dated February 7, 2012, between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 99.D.2 to the Registrants Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-179237),
filed on February 13, 2012). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
4.3 | 
| 
First
Supplemental Indenture, dated March 21, 2012, between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 99.D.4 to the Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2
(File No. 333-179237), filed on March 21, 2012). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
4.4 | 
| 
Second
Supplemental Indenture, dated March 18, 2013, between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 99.D.4 to the Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2
(File No. 333-179237), filed on March 15, 2013). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
4.5 | 
| 
Third
Supplemental Indenture, dated December 17, 2015, between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.D.6 to the Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement
on Form N-2 (File No. 333-187324), filed December 17, 2015). | |
71
| 
4.6 | 
| 
Fourth
Supplemental Indenture, dated November 15, 2021, between PhenixFIN Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Incorporated
by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 15, 2021) | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
4.7 | 
| 
Description
of PhenixFIN Corporations securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Incorporated
by reference to the Registrants Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-258913),
filed on October 15, 2021. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.1 | 
| 
Form
of Custody Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.J.1 to the Registrants Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-166491), filed on November 23, 2010). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.2 | 
| 
Form
of Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.E to the Registrants Pre-effective Amendment No. 3
to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-166491), filed on November 23, 2010). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.3 | 
| 
Settlement
Term Sheet, dated April 15, 2019 (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 17, 2019). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.4 | 
| 
Stipulation
of Settlement, dated July 29, 2019, by and among Medley Capital Corporation, Brook Taube, Seth Taube, Jeff Tonkel, Mark Lerdal, Karin
Hirtler-Garvey, John E. Mack, Arthur S. Ainsberg, Medley Management Inc., MCC Advisors LLC, Medley LLC and Medley Group LLC, on the
one hand, and FrontFour Capital Group LLC and FrontFour Master Fund, Ltd., on behalf of themselves and a class of similarly situated
stockholders of Medley Capital Corporation, on the other hand, in connection with the action styled In re Medley Capital Corporation
Stockholder Litigation, Cons. C.A. No. 2019-0100-KSJM (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August
2, 2019). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.5 | 
| 
Governance
Agreement, dated July 29, 2019, by and among, Medley Capital Corporation, on the one hand, and FrontFour Capital Group LLC, FrontFour
Master Fund, Ltd., FrontFour Capital Corp., FrontFour Opportunity Fund, David A. Lorber, Stephen E. Loukas and Zachary R. George,
on the other hand (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 2, 2019). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.6 | 
| 
Standstill
Agreement, dated as of August 19, 2020, by and between the Medley Capital Corporation and Howard Amster and the other persons and
entities identified therein (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 21, 2020). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.7 | 
| 
Fund
Accounting Servicing Agreement, dated November 19, 2020, by and between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services,
LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 11, 2020). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.8 | 
| 
Administration
Servicing Agreement, dated November 19, 2020, by and between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 11, 2020). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.9 | 
| 
PhenixFIN
Long Term Cash Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2022). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.10 | 
| 
First
Amendment to the PhenixFIN Long Term Cash Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q filed on February 9, 2023). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.11 | 
| 
Form
of Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2022). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.12 | 
| 
Credit
Agreement, dated December 15, 2022, between PhenixFIN Corporation and Woodforest National Bank, as Administrative Agent. (Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed December 16, 2022). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.13 | 
| 
First
Amendment to Credit Agreement and Consent, dated February 21, 2024, between PhenixFIN Corporation and Woodforest National Bank, as
Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2024) | |
72
| 
10.14 | 
| 
Second
Amendment to Credit Agreement and Consent, dated August 5, 2024, between PhenixFIN Corporation and Woodforest National Bank, as Administrative
Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 17, 2024) | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.15 | 
| 
Loan
Administration and Custodial Agreement, dated September 12, 2022 by and between PhenixFIN Corp. and Computershare Trust Company,
N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 16, 2022). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.16 | 
| 
Pledge
and Security Agreement, dated December 15, 2022 by and between PhenixFIN Corporation and Woodforest National Bank (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 16, 2022). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.17 | 
| 
Services
Agreement, dated August 9, 2022, by and between PhenixFIN Corp. and SS&C Technologies, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.9 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 16, 2022). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
10.18 | 
| 
Third
Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated April 17, 2025, between PhenixFIN Corporation and BankUnited, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 6, 2025) | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
14.1 | 
| 
Code
of Ethics & Insider Trading Policy of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.R to the Registrants Registration
Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-258913), filed on August 19, 2021. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
21.1 | 
| 
List
of Subsidiaries (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 10, 2022) | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
31.1* | 
| 
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
31.2* | 
| 
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
32.1* | 
| 
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
99.1 | 
| 
Notice
of Redemption to the Holders of the 6.125% Senior Notes due 2023, dated December 15, 2022 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1
to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 16, 2022). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
99.2* | 
| 
FlexFIN,
LLC Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended September 30, 2025. | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
99.3 | 
| 
PhenixFIN
Compensation Clawback Policy and Procedures (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on
December 22, 2023). | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
101.INS* | 
| 
Inline XBRL Instance Document | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
101.SCH* | 
| 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
101.CAL* | 
| 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
Document | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
101.DEF* | 
| 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
Document | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
101.LAB* | 
| 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
101.PRE* | 
| 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
Document | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
104* | 
| 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (Embedded within the
Inline XBRL document and included in Exhibit 101) | |
| 
* | Filed
herewith. | 
|
73
**SIGNATURES**
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report
on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: December
12, 2025
| 
| 
PhenixFIN Corporation | |
| 
| 
| |
| 
| 
By | 
/s/
David Lorber | |
| 
| 
| 
David Lorber | |
| 
| 
| 
Chief Executive Officer | |
| 
| 
| 
(Principal Executive Officer) | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
| 
By | 
/s/ Ellida
McMillan | |
| 
| 
| 
Ellida McMillan | |
| 
| 
| 
Chief Financial Officer | |
| 
| 
| 
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) | |
In
accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant
and in the following capacities on December 12, 2025.
| 
/s/
David Lorber | 
| 
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
of the | |
| 
David Lorber | 
| 
Board of Directors (Principal Executive Officer) | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
/s/
Ellida McMillan | 
| 
Chief Financial Officer | |
| 
Ellida McMillan | 
| 
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) | |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
/s/
Arthur S. Ainsberg | 
| 
Director | |
| 
Arthur S. Ainsberg | 
| 
| |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
/s/
Karin Hirtler-Garvey | 
| 
Director | |
| 
Karin Hirtler-Garvey | 
| 
| |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
/s/
Lowell Robinson | 
| 
Director | |
| 
Lowell Robinson | 
| 
| |
| 
| 
| 
| |
| 
/s/
Howard Amster | 
| 
Director | |
| 
Howard Amster | 
| 
| |
74
****